Substituted pyridine and pyrazine compounds as pde4 inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a chemical entity of Formula (I), and compositions comprising such chemical entities; methods of making them; and their use in a wide range of methods, including metabolic and reaction kinetic studies, detection and imaging techniques, and radioactive treatments; and therapies, including inhibiting PDE4, enhancing neuronal plasticity, treating neurological disorders, providing neuroprotection, treating a cognitive impairment associated with a CNS disorder, enhancing the efficiency of cognitive and motor training, providing neurorecovery and neurorehabilitation, enhancing the efficiency of non-human animal training protocols, and treating treating peripheral disorders, including inflammatory and renal disorders.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. For example, this application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/770,759, which is the U.S. National Phase of International Application No. PCT/US2014/021426, filed on Mar. 6, 2014 which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/786,288, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present invention relates to certain substituted pyridine and pyrazine compounds as inhibitors of PDE4 enzymes; derivatives of such compounds; compositions of such compounds; methods of making them; and their use in various methods, including detection and imaging techniques; enhancing neuronal plasticity; treating neurological disorders, including psychiatric, neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular, cognitive and motor disorders; providing neuroprotection; enhancing the efficiency of cognitive and motor training; facilitating neurorecovery and neurorehabilitation; and treating peripheral disorders, including inflammatory and renal disorders.

Description of the Related Technology

The mammalian phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a group of closely related enzymes divided into 11 families (PDE1-11) based on substrate specificity, inhibitor sensitivity and more recently, on sequence homology. The 11 families are coded by 21 genes, providing several of the families with multiple members. All mammalian PDEs share a conserved catalytic domain located in the COOH-terminal portion of the protein. In GAF-containing PDEs, one or both GAFs can provide dimerization contacts. In addition, one of the GAFs in each of these proteins provides for allosteric cGMP binding (PDE2, PDE5, PDE6, PDE11), allosteric cAMP binding (PDE10), and regulation of catalytic site functions (PDE2, PDE5, PDE6). The other families of PDEs have unique complements of various subdomains (UCR, NHR, PAS, membrane association) that contribute to regulation of activity. PDEs 1, 2, 3, and 4 are expressed in many tissues, whereas others are more restricted. In most cells, PDE3 and PDE4 provide the major portion of cAMP-hydrolyzing activity (Francis, Physiological Reviews, 2011, 91, 651-690).

The PDE4 family includes four isoforms (PDE4A, B, C and D) with more than 20 splice variants, making it one of the largest PDE subfamilies (Bender and Beavo, 2006). PDE4 enzymes hydrolyze cAMP with a substrate apparent Km of 1-5 uM for cAMP. The PDE4 enzyme is reported to be regulated by two upper control region (UCR) domains. Depending on differential RNA splicing, PDE4 variants can be distinguished into two major subgroups: long and short forms (Conti et al., J Biol Chem., 2003, 278, 5493-5496). Nine splice variants have been reported. PDE4D1, 4D2 and 4D6 all are shorter forms lacking UCRs. PDE4D3, 4D4, 4D5, 4D7, 4D8 and 4D9 are longer forms that contain both UCRs and N-terminal domains important for their subcellular localization (Bender and Beavo, 2006). Long form PDE4D3 activity is increased by PKA phosphorylation via Ser54 in the N-terminal UCR1 (Alvarez et al., Mol Pharmacol., 1995, 48, 616-622; Sette et al., J Biol Chem., 1996, 271, 16526-16534). Conversely, Erk2 phosphorylation of Ser597 in the C-terminus of PDE4D3 causes a reduction in catalytic activity. One or several PDE4D isoforms are expressed throughout most tissues tested, including cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, heart, liver, kidney, lung and testis (Richter et al., Biochem. J., 2005, 388, 803-811). The localization and regulation of PDE4D isoforms is thought to allow for tight and local regulation of cAMP levels, possibly limiting signal propagation in specific subcellular compartments.

Numerous studies have highlighted a role for PDEs generally, and PDE4 in particular, in modulating intracellular signaling pathways that regulate many physiological processes, including those underling neural plasticity, cognition, and memory. In particular, PDEs play an important role in intracellular signal transduction pathways involving the second messengers, cAMP and cGMP. These cyclic nucleotides function as ubiquitous intracellular signaling molecules in all mammalian cells. PDE enzymes hydrolyze cAMP and cGMP by breaking phosphodiester bonds to form the corresponding monophosphates (Bender and Beavo, Pharmacol. Rev., 2006, 58 (3), 488-520). PDE activities are modulated in coordination with adenylyl cyclase (AC) and guanylyl cyclase (GC) activities through direct effectors and feedback pathways, thereby maintaining cAMP and cGMP levels within optimum ranges for responsiveness to signals. The ability of extracellular signals to modulate the intracellular concentration of cyclic nucleotides allows cells to respond to external stimuli across the boundary of the cell membrane.

The cyclic nucleotide signaling cascades have been adapted to respond to a host of transduction systems including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and voltage and ligand gated ion channels. Cyclic nucleotides transmit their signal in the cell through a variety of tertiary elements. The best described of these are cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cGMP dependent protein kinase (PKG). The binding of the cyclic nucleotide to each enzyme enables the phosphorylation of downstream enzymes and proteins functioning as effectors or additional elements in the signaling cascade. Of particular importance to memory formation is cAMP activation of PKA, which phosphorylates cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). pCREB is an activated transcription factor, which binds to specific DNA loci and initiates transcription of multiple genes involved in neuronal plasticity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have associated alterations in cyclic nucleotide concentrations with biochemical and physiological process linked to cognitive function (Kelly and Brandon, Progress in Brain Research, 2009, 179, 67-73; Schmidt, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2010, 10, 222-230). Signal intensity and the levels of coincident activity at a synapse are established variables that can result in potentiation of transmission at a particular synapse. Long term potentiation (LTP) is the best described of these processes and is known to be modulated by both the cAMP and cGMP signaling cascades.

Focus on the role of PDE4 in memory stems from the discovery of the PDE4-like Drosophila learning mutant dunce (dnc gene), a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase of the PDE4 subtype (Yun and Davis, Nucleic Acids Research, 1989, 17(20), 8313-8326). The dnc mutant flies are defective in acquisition and/or short-term memory when tested in several different olfactory associative learning situations, with negative (Dudai et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci., 1976, 73(5), 1684-1688; Dudai Y., Proc Natl Acad Sci., 1983, 80(17), 5445-5448; Tully and Quinn, Journal of Comparative Physiology, 1985, 157(2), 263-77) or positive reinforcement (Tempel et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci., 1983, 80(5), 1482-1486). In mammals, PDE4D knockout animals display decreased immobility in the antidepressant tail-suspension and forced swim test models (Zhang et al., Neuropsychopharmacology, 2002, 27(4), 587-595), enhanced in vitro LTP in hippocampal CA1 slices (Rutten et al., Eur. J. Neurosci., 2008, 28(3), 625-632), and enhanced memory in radial maze, object recognition, and Morris water maze tasks (Li et al., J. Neurosci., 2011, 31, 172-183).

Such observations highlight the interest in PDE-inhibition, including PDE4-inhibition, as a therapeutic target for numerous disorders and in cognitive enhancement. For example, by increasing cAMP levels, such inhibitors may be useful in treating cognitive deterioration in neurodegenerative disorders such Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, as well as generally improving cognition in normal, diseased, and aging subjects. Various small-molecule PDE4 enzyme inhibitors have been reported e.g., Aza-bridged bicycles (DeCODE Genetics; Intl. Pat. Appl. Publ. WO 2010/059836, May 27, 2010); N-substituted anilines (Memory Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Intl. Pat. Appl. Publ. WO 2010/003084, Jan. 7, 2010); Biaryls (DeCODE Genetics; Intl. Pat. Appl. Publ. WO 2009/067600, May 28, 2009, WO 2009/067621, May 28, 2009); Benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles (DeCODE Genetics; U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. US 2009/0130076, May 21, 2009); Catechols (DeCODE Genetics; U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. US 2009/0131530, May 21, 2009), Pteridines (Boehringer Ingelheim International G.m.b.H.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,788, Nov. 29, 2007); Heteroaryl pyrazoles (Memory Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Intl. Pat. Appl. Publ. WO 2007/123953, Nov. 1, 2007); Naphthyridines (Glaxo Group Limited; Intl. Pat. Appl. Publ. WO 2006/053784, May 26, 2006); Piperazinyldihydrothienopyrimidines (Boehringer Ingelheim International G.m.b.H.; EP Pat. 1,874,781, Jun. 24, 2009); Nicotinamide derivatives (Pfizer; U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. US 2005/0020587, Jan. 27, 2005); Heteroarylmethyl phenyl amines (Memory Pharmaceuticals Corporation; U.S. Pat. No. 7,087,625, Aug. 8, 2006); Naphthyridines (Novartis AG; EP Pat. 1,443,925, Dec. 26, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,370, Dec. 23, 2008).

However, PDE4 inhibitors have generally been associated with numerous side effects—most notably emesis—that have typically limited their usefulness and tolerability (e.g., Giembycz, Curr. Opin. Pharm. 2005, 5, 238-244). It is therefore desirable to develop improved PDE4 inhibitors such as those showing higher potency, greater specificity, and better side effect profiles. The present invention meets these and other needs in the art by disclosing substituted pyridine and pyrazine compounds as potent and well-tolerated PDE4 inhibitors.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a chemical entity of Formula (I):

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, Y and Z have any of the values described herein.

In one aspect the chemical entity is selected from the group consisting of compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs of compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable metabolites of compounds of Formula (I).

Chemical entities of compounds of Formula (I) are useful in wide range of methods as described herein. Isotopically-labeled compounds and prodrugs can be used in metabolic and reaction kinetic studies, detection and imaging techniques, and radioactive treatments. The chemical embodiments of the present invention can be used to inhibit PDE4, in particular; to treat a disorder mediated by PDE4, in particular; to enhance neuronal plasticity; to treat neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive disorders, and cognitive deficits associated with CNS disorders; to confer neuroprotection; and to treat peripheral disorders, including inflammatory and renal disorders. The chemical embodiments of the present invention are also useful as augmenting agents to enhance the efficiency of cognitive and motor training, in stroke rehabilitation, to facilitate neurorecovery and neurorehabilitation, and to increase the efficiency of non-human animal training protocols. The invention is further directed to the general and specific embodiments defined, respectively, by the independent and dependent claims appended hereto, which are incorporated by reference herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following description, including the examples. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For the sake of brevity, all publications, including patent applications, patents, and other citations mentioned herein, are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Citation of any such publication, however, shall not be construed as an admission that it is prior art to the present invention.

Abbreviations

The specification includes numerous abbreviations, whose meanings are listed in the following Table:

Abbreviation Meaning ACN Acetonitrile AcOH Acetic Acid AIBN 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) BOC tert-Butyl dicarbonate n-BuLi n-Butyl lithium DCM Dichloromethane Deoxo-Fluor ® Bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride Dess-Martin 1,1,1-Tris(acetyloxy)-1,1-dihydro-1,2-benziodoxol- Reagent ® 3(1H)-one DIPEA, Hünig's N,N-Ethyl-diisopropylamine or N,N-Diisopropyl- base ethyl amine DMA N,N-Dimethylacetamide DMF N,N-Dimethylformamide DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide dppf 1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene EtOAc, or EA Ethyl Acetate EtOH Ethanol HOAc or AcOH Acetic Acid HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography LAH Lithium aluminum hydride LCMS, LC/MS Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry MeOH Methanol NBS n-Bromosuccinimide, PdCl₂(dppf)-DCM [1′1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]palladium(ll) adduct dichloride dichloromethane adduct Pd(PPh₃)₄ Tetrakis[triphenylphosphine]palladium(0) TBAF Tetrabutylammonium fluoride TEA, Et₃N Triethylamine TFA Trifluoroacetic acid THF Tetrahydrofuran TLC Thin layer chromatography XtalFluor ® (Diethylamino)difluorosulfonium tetrafluoroborate

Terms and Definitions

The use of subheadings such as “General,” “Chemistry,” “Compositions,” “Formulations,” etc., in this section, as well as in other sections of this application, are solely for convenience of reference and not intended to be limiting.

General

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” means within an acceptable range for a particular value as determined by one skilled in the art, and may depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, e.g., the limitations of the measurement system or technique. For example, “about” can mean a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% or less on either side of a given value. Alternatively, with respect to biological systems or processes, the term “about” can mean within an order of magnitude, within 5 fold, or within 2 fold on either side of a value. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about”. It is understood that, whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation of such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including equivalents and approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value. Whenever a yield is given as a percentage, such yield refers to a mass of the entity for which the yield is given with respect to the maximum amount of the same entity for which that could be obtained under the particular stoichiometric conditions. Concentrations that are given as percentages refer to mass ratios, unless indicated differently.

As used herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are to be understood as meaning both singular and plural, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, “a,” “an,” and “the” (and grammatical variations thereof where appropriate) refer to one or more.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

The terms “comprising” and “including” are used herein in their open, non-limiting sense. Other terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “criterion,” “known,” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or criterion technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples.

Chemistry

The term “alkyl” refers to a fully saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group. The alkyl moiety may be a straight- or branched-chain alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the chain. Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl (Me, which also may be structurally depicted by the symbol, “

”), ethyl (Et), n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl (tBu), pentyl, isopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, and groups that in light of the ordinary skill in the art and the teachings provided herein would be considered equivalent to any one of the foregoing examples. Alkyl groups may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents including, but not limited to, hydroxyl, alkoxy, cyano, thioalkoxy, amino, and aminoalkyl.

The term “haloalkyl” refers to the alkyl moiety, which may be a straight- or branched-chain alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the chain substituted with a halo group. Examples of haloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, —CF₃, —CHF₂, —CH₂F, —CH₂CF₃, —CH₂CHF₂, —CH₂CH₂F, —CH₂CH₂Cl, or —CH₂CF₂CF₃.

The term “cyano” refers to the group —CN.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated or partially saturated carbocycle, such as monocyclic, fused polycyclic, bridged monocyclic, bridged polycyclic, spirocyclic, or spiro polycyclic carbocycle having from 3 to 12 ring atoms per carbocycle. Where the term cycloalkyl is qualified by a specific characterization, such as monocyclic, fused polycyclic, bridged polycyclic, spirocyclic, and spiro polycyclic, then such term cycloalkyl refers only to the carbocycle so characterized. Illustrative examples of cycloalkyl groups include the following entities, in the form of properly bonded moieties:

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the species of cycloalkyl groups listed or illustrated above are not exhaustive, and that additional species within the scope of these defined terms may also be selected.

The term “halogen” represents chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine. The term “halo” represents chloro, fluoro, bromo or iodo.

The term “heteroatom” used herein refers to, for example, O (oxygen), S (sulfur) and N (nitrogen).

The term “heteroaryl” refers to a monocyclic, fused bicyclic, or fused polycyclic aromatic heterocycle (ring structure having ring atoms selected from carbon atoms and up to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur) having from 3 to 12 ring atoms per heterocycle. Illustrative examples of heteroaryl groups include the following entities, in the form of properly bonded moieties:

The term “substituted” means that the specified group or moiety bears one or more substituents. The term “unsubstituted” means that the specified group bears no substituents. The term “optionally substituted” means that the specified group is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents. Where the term “substituted” is used to describe a structural system, the substitution is meant to occur at any valency-allowed position on the system. In cases where a specified moiety or group is not expressly noted as being optionally substituted or substituted with any specified substituent, it is understood that such a moiety or group is intended to be unsubstituted.

Formulas

Any formula given herein is intended to represent compounds having structures depicted by the structural formula as well as certain variations or forms. In particular, compounds of any formula given herein may have asymmetric centers and therefore exist in different enantiomeric forms. All optical isomers and stereoisomers of the compounds of the general formula, and mixtures thereof, are considered within the scope of the formula. Thus, any formula given herein is intended to represent a racemate, one or more enantiomeric forms, one or more diastereomeric forms, one or more atropisomeric forms, and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, certain structures may exist as geometric isomers (i.e., cis and trans isomers), as tautomers, or as atropisomers.

The symbols

and

are used as meaning the same spacial arrangement in chemical structures shown herein. Analogously the symbols

and

are used as meaning the same spatial arrangement in chemical structures shown herein.

Compounds

As used herein, a “compound” refers to any one of: (a) the actually recited form of such compound; and (b) any of the forms of such compound in the medium in which the compound is being considered when named. For example, reference herein to a compound such as R—COOH, encompasses reference to any one of, for example, R—COOH(s), R—COOH(sol), and R—COO-(sol). In this example, R—COOH(s) refers to the solid compound, as it could be for example in a tablet or some other solid pharmaceutical composition or preparation; R—COOH(sol) refers to the undissociated form of the compound in a solvent; and R—COO-(sol) refers to the dissociated form of the compound in a solvent, such as the dissociated form of the compound in an aqueous environment, whether such dissociated form derives from R—COOH, from a salt thereof, or from any other entity that yields R—COO— upon dissociation in the medium being considered.

As used herein, the term “chemical entity” collectively refers to a compound, along with the derivatives of the compound, including salts, chelates, solvates, conformers, non-covalent complexes, metabolites, and prodrugs.

In one aspect the chemical entity is selected from the group consisting of compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs of compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable metabolites of compounds of Formula (I).

In another example, an expression such as “exposing an entity to a compound of formula R—COOH” refers to the exposure of such entity to the form, or forms, of the compound R—COOH that exists, or exist, in the medium in which such exposure takes place. In still another example, an expression such as “reacting an entity with a compound of formula R—COOH” refers to the reacting of (a) such entity in the chemically relevant form, or forms, of such entity that exists, or exist, in the medium in which such reacting takes place, with (b) the chemically relevant form, or forms, of the compound R—COOH that exists, or exist, in the medium in which such reacting takes place. In this regard, if such entity is for example in an aqueous environment, it is understood that the compound R—COOH is in such same medium, and therefore the entity is being exposed to species such as R—COOH(aq) and/or R—COO-(aq), where the subscript “(aq)” stands for “aqueous” according to its conventional meaning in chemistry and biochemistry. A carboxylic acid functional group has been chosen in these nomenclature examples; this choice is not intended, however, as a limitation but it is merely an illustration. It is understood that analogous examples can be provided in terms of other functional groups, including but not limited to hydroxyl, basic nitrogen members, such as those in amines, and any other group that interacts or transforms according to known manners in the medium that contains the compound. Such interactions and transformations include, but are not limited to, dissociation, association, tautomerism, solvolysis, including hydrolysis, solvation, including hydration, protonation and deprotonation. No further examples in this regard are provided herein because these interactions and transformations in a given medium are known by any one of ordinary skill in the art.

In another example, a “zwitterionic” compound is encompassed herein by referring to a compound that is known to form a zwitterion, even if it is not explicitly named in its zwitterionic form. Terms such as zwitterion, zwitterions, and their synonyms zwitterionic compound(s) are standard IUPAC-endorsed names that are well known and part of standard sets of defined scientific names. In this regard, the name zwitterion is assigned the name identification CHEBI:27369 by the Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI) dictionary of molecular entities. As is generally well known, a zwitterion or zwitterionic compound is a neutral compound that has formal unit charges of opposite sign. Sometimes these compounds are referred to by the term “inner salts”. Other sources refer to these compounds as “dipolar ions”, although the latter term is regarded by still other sources as a misnomer. As a specific example, aminoethanoic acid (the amino acid glycine) has the formula H₂NCH₂COOH, and it exists in some media (in this case in neutral media) in the form of the zwitterion+H₃NCH₂COO—. Zwitterions, zwitterionic compounds, inner salts, and dipolar ions in the known and well established meanings of these terms are within the scope of this invention, as would in any case be so appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. Because there is no need to name each and every embodiment that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, no structures of the zwitterionic compounds that are associated with the compounds of this invention are given explicitly herein. They are, however, part of the embodiments of this invention. No further examples in this regard are provided herein because the interactions and transformations in a given medium that lead to the various forms of a given compound are known by any one of ordinary skill in the art.

Isotopes may be present in the compounds described. Each chemical element present in a compound either specifically or generically described herein may include any isotope of said element. Any formula given herein is also intended to represent unlabeled forms as well as isotopically labeled forms of the compounds. Isotopically labeled compounds have structures depicted by the formulas given herein except that one or more atoms are replaced by an atom having a selected atomic mass or mass number. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of the invention include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, fluorine, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine and iodine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹¹C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, 170, ³¹p, ³²P, 35S, ¹⁸F, ³⁶Cl, ¹²⁵I, respectively.

When referring to any formula given herein, the selection of a particular moiety from a list of possible species for a specified variable is not intended to define the same choice of the species for the variable appearing elsewhere. In other words, where a variable appears more than once, the choice of the species from a specified list is independent of the choice of species for the same variable elsewhere in the formula, unless otherwise stated.

By way of a first example on substituent terminology, if substituent S¹ _(example) is one of S₁ and S₂, and substituent S² _(example) is one of S₃ and S₄, then these assignments refer to embodiments of this invention given according to the choices S¹ _(example) is S₁ and S² _(example) is S₃; S¹ _(example) is S₁ and S² _(example) is S₄; S¹ _(example) is S₂ and S² _(example) is S₃; S¹ _(example) is S₂ and S² _(example) is S₄; and equivalents of each one of such choices. The shorter terminology “S¹ _(example) is one of S₁ and S₂ and “S² _(example) is one of S₃ and S₄ is accordingly used herein for the sake of brevity but not by way of limitation. The foregoing first example on substituent terminology, which is stated in generic terms, is meant to illustrate the various substituent assignments described herein. The foregoing convention given herein for substituents extends, when applicable, to members such as R¹, R², R³, R⁴ R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(d1), R^(e), R^(e1), R^(f), R^(g), R^(h), R^(j), R^(k), R^(m), R^(n) and U, Y, Z, HAL, HET and any other generic substituent symbol used herein.

Furthermore, when more than one assignment is given for any member or substituent, embodiments of this invention comprise the various groupings that can be made from the listed assignments, taken independently, and equivalents thereof. By way of a second example on substituent terminology, if it is herein described that substituent S_(example) is one of S₁, S₂ and S₃, the listing refers to embodiments of this invention for which S_(example) is S₁; S_(example) is S₂; S_(example) is S₃; S_(example) is one of S₁ and S₂; S_(example) is one of S₁ and S₃; S_(example) is one of S₂ and S₃; S_(example) is one of S₁, S₂ and S₃; and S_(example) is any equivalent of each one of these choices. The shorter terminology “S_(example) is one of S₁, S₂ and S₃” is accordingly used herein for the sake of brevity, but not by way of limitation. The foregoing second example on substituent terminology, which is stated in generic terms, is meant to illustrate the various substituent assignments described herein. The foregoing convention given herein for substituents extends, when applicable, to members such as R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(d1), R^(e), R^(e1), R^(f), R^(g), R^(h), R^(j), R^(k), R^(m), R^(n) and U, Y, Z, HAL, HET and any other generic substituent symbol used herein.

The nomenclature “C_(i-j)” with j>i, when applied herein to a class of substituents, is meant to refer to embodiments of this invention for which each and every one of the number of carbon members, from i to j including i and j, is independently realized. By way of example, the term C₁₋₃ refers independently to embodiments that have one carbon member (C₁), embodiments that have two carbon members (C₂), and embodiments that have three carbon members (C₃).

The term C_(n-m)alkyl refers to an aliphatic chain, whether straight or branched, with the total number N of carbon members in the chain that satisfies n≤N≤m, with m>n.

Any disubstituent referred to herein is meant to encompass the various attachment possibilities when more than one of such possibilities are allowed. For example, reference to disubstituent -A-B—, where A≠B, refers herein to such disubstituent with A attached to a first substituted member and B attached to a second substituted member, and it also refers to such disubstituent with A attached to the second member and B attached to the first substituted member.

According to the foregoing interpretive considerations on assignments and nomenclature, it is understood that explicit reference herein to a set implies, where chemically meaningful and unless indicated otherwise, independent reference to embodiments of such set, and reference to each and every one of the possible embodiments of subsets of the set referred to explicitly.

The term “prodrug” means a precursor of a designated compound that, following administration to a subject, yields the compound in vivo via a chemical or physiological process such as solvolysis or enzymatic cleavage, or under physiological conditions (e.g., a prodrug on being brought to physiological pH is converted to the compound of Formula (I)).

A “pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug” is a prodrug that is preferably non-toxic, biologically tolerable, and otherwise biologically suitable for administration to the subject.

Illustrative procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in “Design of Prodrugs”, ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

A “metabolite” means a pharmacologically active product of metabolism in the body of a compound of Formula (I) or salt thereof. Preferably, the metabolite is in an isolated form outside the body.

Compositions

The term “composition,” as in pharmaceutical composition, is intended to encompass a product comprising the active ingredient(s), and the inert ingredient(s) (pharmaceutically acceptable excipients) that make up the carrier, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination, complexation, or aggregation of any two or more of the ingredients, or from dissociation of one or more of the ingredients, or from other types of reactions or interactions of one or more of the ingredients. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention encompass any composition made by admixing a compound of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable,” as used in connection with compositions of the invention, refers to molecular entities and other ingredients of such compositions that are physiologically tolerable and do not typically produce untoward reactions when administered to an animal (e.g., human). The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” may also mean approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a state government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals (e.g. mammals), and more particularly in humans.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” refers to a substance that is non-toxic, biologically tolerable, and otherwise biologically suitable for administration to a subject, such as an inert substance, added to a pharmacological composition or otherwise used as a vehicle, carrier, or diluents to facilitate administration of an agent and that is compatible therewith.

Examples of excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars and types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils, and polyethylene glycols. Suitable pharmaceutical carriers include those described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2005).

A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” is intended to mean a salt of a free acid or base of a compound represented by Formula (I) that is non-toxic, biologically tolerable, or otherwise biologically suitable for administration to the subject. See, generally, G. S. Paulekuhn et al., Trends in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Salt Selection based on Analysis of the Orange Book Database, J. Med. Chem. 2007, 50, 6665-6672; Berge et al., Pharmaceutical Salts, J. Pharm. Sci. 1977, 66, 1-19; Stahl and Wermuth (eds), Pharmaceutical Salts; Properties, Selection, and Use: 2nd Revised Edition, Wiley-VCS, Zurich, Switzerland (2011). Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are those that are pharmacologically effective and suitable for contact with the tissues of patients without undue toxicity, irritation, or allergic response. A compound of Formula (I) may possess a sufficiently acidic group, a sufficiently basic group, or both types of functional groups, and accordingly react with a number of inorganic or organic bases, and inorganic and organic acids, to form a pharmaceutically acceptable salt bases, and inorganic and organic acids, to form a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

The term “carrier” refers to an adjuvant, vehicle, or excipients, with which the compound is administered. In preferred embodiments of this invention, the carrier is a solid carrier. Suitable pharmaceutical carriers include those described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2005).

The term “dosage form,” as used herein, is the form in which the dose is to be administered to the subject or patient. The drug is generally administered as part of a formulation that includes nonmedical agents. The dosage form has unique physical and pharmaceutical characteristics. Dosage forms, for example, may be solid, liquid or gaseous. “Dosage forms” may include, for example, a capsule, tablet, caplet, gel caplet (gelcap), syrup, a liquid composition, a powder, a concentrated powder, a concentrated powder admixed with a liquid, a chewable form, a swallowable form, a dissolvable form, an effervescent, a granulated form, and an oral liquid solution. In a specific embodiment, the dosage form is a solid dosage form, and more specifically, comprises a tablet or capsule.

As used herein, the term “inert” refer to any inactive ingredient of a described composition. The definition of “inactive ingredient” as used herein follows that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as defined in 21 C.F.R. 201.3(b)(8), which is any component of a drug product other than the active ingredient.

Methods and Uses

As used herein, the term “disorder” is used interchangeably with “disease” or “condition”. For example, a CNS disorder also means a CNS disease or a CNS condition.

As used herein, the term “cognitive impairment” is used interchangeably with “cognitive dysfunction” or “cognitive deficit,” all of which are deemed to cover the same therapeutic indications.

The terms “treating,” “treatment,” and “treat” cover therapeutic methods directed to a disease-state in a subject and include: (i) preventing the disease-state from occurring, in particular, when the subject is predisposed to the disease-state but has not yet been diagnosed as having it; (ii) inhibiting the disease-state, e.g., arresting its development (progression) or delaying its onset; and (iii) relieving the disease-state, e.g., causing regression of the disease state until a desired endpoint is reached. Treating also includes ameliorating a symptom of a disease (e.g., reducing the pain, discomfort, or deficit), wherein such amelioration may be directly affecting the disease (e.g., affecting the disease's cause, transmission, or expression) or not directly affecting the disease.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “effective amount” is interchangeable with “therapeutically effective amount” and means an amount or dose of a compound or composition effective in treating the particular disease, condition, or disorder disclosed herein, and thus “treating” includes producing a desired preventative, inhibitory, relieving, or ameliorative effect. In methods of treatment according to the invention, “an effective amount” of at least one compound according to the invention is administered to a subject (e.g., a mammal). An “effective amount” also means an amount or dose of a compound or composition effective to modulate activity of PDE4 or an associated signaling pathway, such as the CREB pathway and thus produce the desired modulatory effect. The “effective amount” will vary, depending on the compound, the disease, the type of treatment desired, and its severity, and age, weight, etc.

The term “animal” is interchangeable with “subject” and may be a vertebrate, in particular, a mammal, and more particularly, a human, and includes a laboratory animal in the context of a clinical trial or screening or activity experiment. Thus, as can be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the compositions and methods of the present invention are particularly suited to administration to any vertebrate, particularly a mammal, and more particularly, a human.

As used herein, a “control animal” or a “normal animal” is an animal that is of the same species as, and otherwise comparable to (e.g., similar age, sex), the animal that is trained under conditions sufficient to induce transcription-dependent memory formation in that animal.

By “enhance,” “enhancing,” or “enhancement” is meant the ability to potentiate, increase, improve or make greater or better, relative to normal, a biochemical or physiological action or effect. For example, enhancing long term memory formation refers to the ability to potentiate or increase long term memory formation in an animal relative to the normal long term memory formation of the animal or controls. As a result, long term memory acquisition is faster or better retained. Enhancing performance of a cognitive task refers to the ability to potentiate or improve performance of a specified cognitive task by an animal relative to the normal performance of the cognitive task by the animal or controls.

As used herein, the term “training protocol,” or “training,” refers to either “cognitive training” or “motor training.” The phrase “in conjunction” means that a compound or composition of the present invention enhances CREB pathway function during cognitive or motor training.

Reference will now be made to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated by and described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. While certain embodiments are described herein, it is understood that the described embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that can be included within the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Compounds

The present invention provides certain substituted pyridine and pyriazine derivatives, which are useful, for example, as inhibitors of PDE4 enzymatic activity. They are distinct from tri-substituted pyridines are disclosed in the following publications: U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,761 (Novartis AG, Nov. 14, 2002, CAS No. 1106203-18-2, 1106203-.16-0); Intl. Pat. Appl. Publ. WO 2003050098, (Maxia Pharmaceuticals, Jun. 19, 2003, CAS No. 544475-13-0, 544475-12-9) and JP Pat. 4,321,737 (Intl. Pat. Appl. Publ. WO 9931062, Shionogi & Co., Jun. 24, 1999, CAS No. 228096-03-5, 228096-04-6).

In its many embodiments, the invention is directed to a chemical entity of Formula (I):

wherein:

Z is CH or N;

i) wherein when Z is CH, then;

R¹ is a member selected from the group consisting of: —H, —C₁₋₃alkyl and —C₁₋₃haloalkyl;

Y is —C(R^(a))₂—, where each R^(a) is independently selected from the group consisting of: —H, —F, —CH₃, —OH and —N(R^(b))₂;

R² is a member selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   A) phenyl unsubstituted or substituted with one or two R^(c)         members, where each R^(c) is independently selected from the         group consisting of: halo, —CN, —CO₂R^(b), —CONH₂, —SO₂CH₃,         —C(R^(b))₂OH, —CH₂NH₂, —CH₂CONH₂, —CH₂CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl, —NHCONH₂,         —NHCONH-oxetane, —CONH-oxetane,

an

-   -   B) six-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing one or         two nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with one or         two members each independently selected from the group         consisting of: halo, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CN, —OH,         —C(R^(b))₂OH, —CH₂NH₂, —C(R^(b))₂CN, —C(R^(b))₂CONH₂,         —OCH₂CONH₂, —OCi-3alkyl, —OCH₂C(R^(b))₂OH, —OCH₂cyclopropyl,         —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CO₂H, —CON(R^(b))₂, —N(R^(b))₂, —NHCH₂CF₃,         —NHCH(CH₃)₂, —NHCH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —NHcyclopropyl,         —NHCOCH₃, morpholinyl, pyrrolidin-3-ol, and azetidin-3-ol;     -   C) five-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing two,         three, or four nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted         with one or two members each independently selected from the         group consisting of halo, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl,         —C(R^(b))₂OH, —N(R^(b))₂, —NO₂, —CN, —CH₂CN, —OC₁₋₃alkyl,         —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂CH₂OH, —CH₂NH₂, —CH₂CONH₂, —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl, —CO₂H,         —CONH₂, —NHCOCH₃, and cyclopropyl; and     -   D) five or six-membered ring selected from:         1,2-dihydro-pyridin-2-one, thiazole or 1,2-oxazole unsubstituted         or substituted with one or two members each independently         selected from the group consisting of —CH₃, and —NH₂;

R³ is phenyl or pyridine, substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of: -halo, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, -Ocyclopropyl, —O-oxetane, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CN, —CH₂OH, —SO₂CH₃, or —N(CH₃)₂;

R⁴ is a member selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₃alkyl and —C₁₋₃haloalkyl; and

each R^(b) is independently selected from —H or —CH₃;

ii) wherein when Z is N, then;

R¹ is —H;

Y is —CH₂—;

R² is a member selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   A) phenyl substituted with one or two R^(d) members, where each         R^(d) is independently selected from the group consisting of:         —CN, —CONH₂, and —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl;     -   B) six-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing one or         two nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with a member         selected from the group consisting of: —CN, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —CONH₂,         —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —N(R^(b))₂, and —NH-cyclopropyl;     -   C) five-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing two         or three nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with one         or two members each independently selected from the group         consisting of —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CH₂OR^(b),         —N(R^(b))₂, —NO₂, —CO₂CH₃, —CO₂N(R^(b))₂, or cyclopropyl; and     -   D) 1,2-oxazole optionally substituted with one or two R^(b)         members;

R³ phenyl substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of: —Cl, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, or —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl;

R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl; and

each R^(b) is independently selected from —H or —CH₃.

In certain embodiments of compounds of Formula (I), Z is CH.

In certain embodiments of compounds of Formula (I), Z is N.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where Z is CH, and R¹ is —H, —CH₃, or —CF₃.

In some of these embodiments, R¹ is —H.

In certain embodiments of compounds of Formula (I), Y is —CH₂—, —CH(F)—, —CH(OH)—, —C(OH)(CH₃)—, or —CH(CH₃)—, and Z is CH.

In some of these embodiments, Y is —CH₂— and Z is N.

In certain embodiments of compounds of Formula (I), R² is

and R^(c) is halo, —NHCONH₂, —NHCONH-oxetane, —CONH-oxetane,

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(c) is —F, —(CH₂)₀₋₁CONH₂, —CH₂NH₂, —C(CH₃)₂OH, —SO₂CH₃, or —NHCONH₂.

In certain embodiments of compounds of Formula (I), Z is N and R² is 4-cyanophenyl, 4-phenylamide or 4-phenylcarboxylic acid methyl ester.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where R² is pyridine, unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from: —F, —C₁₋₆alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —OC₁₋₆alkyl, —OCH₂cyclopropyl, —CN, —N(R^(b))₂, —CH₂NH₂, —CO₂H, —CON(R^(b))₂, or —C(R^(b))₂OH.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(d) is —C₁₋₆alkyl, —CF₃, —CN, —N(R^(b))₂, —CO₂H, —CON(R^(b))₂, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —CH₂NH₂, —C(R^(b))₂OH, —OCH₂cyclopropyl, or —OCH(CH₃)₂.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(d) is —CH₃, —CF₃, —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, —CONH₂, —CONHCH₃, —CON(CH₃)₂, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —CH₂OH, —C(CH₃)₂OH, or —OCH₂cyclopropyl.

In some of these embodiments, Z is N, and R² is

R^(d1) is —CN or —CONH₂.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I), where R² is selected from the group consisting of pyrazine, pyridazine and pyrimidine; where pyrazine is optionally unsubstituted or substituted with —C₁₋₃alkyl, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —N(R^(b))₂, or —NHCH₂CH₂OH; pyridazine is optionally unsubstituted or substituted with —C₁₋₃alkyl; and pyrimidine is optionally substituted with a group consisting of: —H, halo, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —CN, —OH, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CO₂H, —CON(R^(b))₂, —C(R^(b))₂CONH₂, —C(R^(b))₂OH, —C(R^(b))₂CN, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —OCH₂C(R^(b))₂OH, —OCH₂CONH₂, —N(R^(b))₂, —NHCH₂CF₃, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —NHcyclopropyl, —NHCOCH₃, morpholinyl, pyrrolidin-3-ol, and azetidin-3-ol.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

unsubstituted or substituted with one or two R^(e) members, where each R^(e) is independently —H, —Cl, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —CN, —OCH₃, —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CO₂H, —CONH₂, —C(R^(b))₂CONH₂, —C(R^(b))₂OH, —C(R^(b))₂CN, —CH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —OCH₂C(R^(b))₂OH, —OCH₂CONH₂, —N(R^(b))₂, —NHCH₂CF₃, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —NHcyclopropyl, —NHCOCH₃, morpholinyl, pyrrolidin-3-ol, and azetidin-3-ol.

In some of these embodiments, Z is N, and R² is

unsubstituted or substituted with R^(e1), where R^(e1) is —CN, —OCH₃, —CONH₂, —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, or -NHcyclopropyl.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(e) is —H, halo, —CH₃, —CN, —OH, —OCH₃, —OCHF₂, —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, —NHCH₂CF₃, —NHcyclopropyl, —C(CH₃)₂OH, —CONH₂, —CONHCH₃, or —CON(CH₃)₂.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where R² is imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, and tetrazole, unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of: —Cl, —CH₃, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —CH₂OH, —CH₂CN, —CH₂CONH₂, —CH₂CH₂OH, —NH₂, —NO₂, —CN, —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl, —CO₂H, —CONH₂, or —NHCOCH₃.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(f) is —H, —Cl, —CH₃, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NHCOCH₃, —CH₂OH, —CN, —CONH₂, —CO₂H, or —CO₂CH₂CH₃.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(f) is —H, —NH₂, or —CH₂OH.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

where R^(g) is —H, —CH₃, —CH₂OH, —CONH₂, or —NH₂.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where R² is 1H-tetrazole, 2H-tetrazole, 1,2-oxazole, 1,3-thiazole, each independently unsubstituted or substituted with —CH₃, —CH₂OH, —CH₂CH₂OH or —NH₂.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where R² is 1,2,3-triazole and 1,2,4-triazole, each independently unsubstituted or substituted with —CH₃, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —CN, —CH₂CN, —CH₂CONH₂, —C(R^(b))OH, —CH₂OCH₃, N(R^(b))₂, —NO₂, —CO₂CH₃, —CONH₂, cyclopropyl or —CH₂NH₂.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(h) is —H, —CH₃, —CF₃, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂OH, —C(CH₃)₂OH, —CH₂OCH₃, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, —CN, —CH₂CN, —CH₂CONH₂, —CONH₂, —CO₂CH₃, or -cyclopropyl.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(j) is —H, —CH₃, —CF₃, —OCH₃, —CH₂(OH), —C(CH₃)₂OH, —CH₂OCH₃, —CO₂CH₃, or —NO₂.

In some of these embodiments, R² is

and R^(k) is —H, —CH₃, —CF₃, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂OH, —C(CH₃)₂OH, —CH₂OCH₃, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, —CN, —CONH₂, —CO₂CH₃, or -cyclopropyl.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where R³ is

and R^(m) is —Cl, —F, —CH₃, —CHF₂, —CN, —OCH₃, —CH₂OH, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCF₃, —OCHF₂, —N(CH₃)₂, —SO₂CH₃, —OCH(CH₃)₂,

In some of these embodiments, R³ is a member selected from the group consisting of: 3-chlorophenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 3-ethoxyphenyl, 3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl, 3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl, 3-(difluoromethyl)phenyl, 3-(dimethylamino)phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 5-chloropyridin-3-yl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, (3-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl, 3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl, 4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl, 4-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl or 3-ethoxy-4-fluorophenyl.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where R³ is

and R^(n) is H, —Cl, —CH₃, —CF₃, —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCHF₂, —OCF₃, or —CN.

Some embodiments are given by compounds of Formula (I) where R⁴ is —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CH(CH₃)₂, or —CHF₂.

Further embodiments are provided by pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs of compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically active metabolites of compounds of Formula (I).

In certain embodiments, a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, of Formula (I), is selected from the group consisting of:

Ex # Compound Name 1 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile; 2 2-Chloro-5-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidine; 3 {2-[(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin- 2-yl)amino]ethyl}dimethylamine; 4 2-Methoxy-3-(6-methoxypyridin-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 5 2-Methoxy-3-(3-methylphenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 6 2-Methoxy-3-(5-methylpyridin-3-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 7 2-Methoxy-3-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 8 {3-[2-Methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridin-3- yl]phenyl}methanol; 9 3-(3-Methanesulfonylphenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 10 2-Methoxy-3-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 11 2-Methoxy-3-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 12 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-methylphenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 13 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 14 [5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methanol; 15 1-[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]-1-(4- fluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol; 16 [5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](5-fluoropyridin-2- yl)methanol; 17 {[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4- fluorophenyl)methyl}(methyl)amine; 18 [5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4- fluorophenyl)methanamine; 19 {[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4- fluorophenyl)methyl}dimethylamine; 20 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[fluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2- methoxypyridine; 21 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}benzoic acid; 22 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carbonitrile; 23 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carboxylic acid; 24 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carboxamide; 25 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 26 (4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)urea; 27 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}benzamide; 28 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(lH-pyrazol-4- ylmethyl)pyridine; 29 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 30 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2- amine; 31 1-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)-3- (oxetan-3-yl)urea; 32 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(6-methoxypyridin-3- yl)methyl]pyridine; 33 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridin-2-amine; 34 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N,N- dimethylpyridin-2-amine; 35 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile; 36 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1,3- thiazol-2-amine; 37 (2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)methanol; 38 5-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 39 5-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carbonitrile; 40 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 41 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(propan-2-yloxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 42 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[3-(propan-2-yloxy)phenyl]pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 43 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[3-(oxetan-3-yloxy)phenyl]pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 44 N-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- yl)acetamide; 45 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(4- methanesulfonylphenyl)methyl]pyridine; 46 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 47 5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 48 2-[5-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]propan-2-ol; 49 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-{[6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridine; 50 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[6-(propan-2- yloxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine; 51 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(6-propoxypyridin-3- yl)methyl]pyridine; 52 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1-methyl-1,2- dihydropyridin-2-one; 53 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)pyridine; 54 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxylic acid; 55 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(2-methoxypyrimidin-5- yl)methyl]pyrazine; 56 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-N- methylpyrimidin-2-amine; 57 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-N- cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine; 58 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4- yl)methyl]pyrazine; 59 (4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)methanamine; 60 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2- amine; 61 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(2,6-dimethylpyridin-4-yl)methyl]-2- methoxypyridine; 62 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2- carbonitrile; 63 4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2- carboxamide; 64 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)pyridine; 65 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)pyridine; 66 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]-2- methoxypyridine; 67 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(6-methoxy-5-methylpyridin-3- yl)methyl]pyridine; 68 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1,3-thiazol-5- ylmethyl)pyridine; 69 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5- yl)methyl]pyridine; 70 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridine-3-carboxamide; 71 (5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridin-3-yl)methanamine; 72 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(6-methylpyridin-3- yl)methyl]pyridine; 73 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-5- yl)methyl]pyridine; 74 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2- ylmethyl)pyridine; 75 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2- methylpyrimidine; 76 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2- methoxypyrimidine; 77 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-(propan-2- yl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 78 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine; 79 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4- yl)methyl]pyridine; 80 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl)pyridine; 81 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N- methylpyrimidin-2-amine; 82 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N- cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine; 83 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N,N- dimethylpyrimidin-2-amine; 84 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 85 Methyl 4-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2- yl]methyl}benzoate; 86 4-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzonitrile; 87 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 88 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridine; 89 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 90 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyridine-2- carboxamide; 91 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N- cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine; 92 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2- methoxypyrimidine; 93 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N- methylpyrimidin-2-amine; 94 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N- (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 95 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1,2-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)pyrazine; 96 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1,2-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)pyridine; 97 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1,2-oxazol-4- ylmethyl)pyridine; 98 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(dimethyl-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)methyl]-2- methoxypyrazine; 99 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(dimethyl-1,2-oxazol-4- yl)methyl]pyridine; 100 Methyl 2-(4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)acetate; 101 Ethyl 1-(4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)cyclopropane-1-carboxylate; 102 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[6-(cyclopropylmethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}- 2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine; 103 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyridine-2-carbonitrile; 104 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 105 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 106 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 107 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile; 108 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carbonitrile; 109 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(pyridin-2- ylmethyl)pyridine; 110 2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrazine; 111 6-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridazin-3-amine; 112 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-6-methyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 113 4-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzamide; 114 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide; 115 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 116 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2- carboxamide; 117 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 118 5-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carboxamide; 119 5-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 120 5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 121 5-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 122 5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 123 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carboxamide; 124 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyridine-2-carboxamide; 125 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 126 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carboxamide; 127 Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; 128 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(3-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2- (difluoromethoxy)pyridine; 129 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine; 130 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyrazine; 131 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 132 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)methyl]pyrazine; 133 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(3-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2- methoxypyrazine; 134 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine; 135 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(propan-2-yloxy)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 136 3-[2-Methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridin-3-yl]benzonitrile; 137 2-Methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-3-[3- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]pyridine; 138 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4- yl)methyl]pyridine; 139 3-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 140 Methyl 1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl]-1H- 1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate; 141 Methyl 1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl]-1H- 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; 142 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 143 3-[3-(Difluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 144 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine; 145 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4- triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 146 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(3-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2- methoxypyridine; 147 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 148 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1- yl]methyl}pyridine; 149 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)ethyl]pyridine; 150 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 151 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 152 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 153 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 154 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4- triazol-1-1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 155 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazole-3-carbonitrile; 156 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 157 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[5-(methoxymethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 158 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 159 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 160 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 161 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2- ylmethyl)pyridine; 162 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 163 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 164 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 165 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(methoxymethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 166 5-[(4-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]- 2-methoxypyridine; 167 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3- carboxamide; 168 Ethyl 1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- pyrazole-4-carboxylate; 169 l-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-4- carbonitrile; 170 2-Methoxy-3-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine; 171 N-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- pyrazol-4-yl)acetamide; 172 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2-methoxypyridine; 173 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 174 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- ylmethyl)pyridine; 175 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-3-[3- (trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]pyridine; 176 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1,2- dihydropyridin-2-one; 177 5-[(4-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2- methoxypyridine; 178 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 179 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-nitro-1H-pyrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 180 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-nitro-1H-pyrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyrazine; 181 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyrazine; 182 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2-methoxypyrazine; 183 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyrazine; 184 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 1-yl)methyl]pyrazine; 185 5-[(3-Cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-[3- (difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxypyrazine; 186 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 187 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 188 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 189 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(methoxymethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 190 Methyl 1-((6-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2- yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; 191 Methyl 1-((6-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2- yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate; 192 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)methyl)pyrazine; 193 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-((5-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)methyl)pyrazine; 194 Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate; 195 Methyl 1-({6-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2- yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; 196 Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazole-3-carboxylate; 197 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- imidazole-4-carboxamide; 198 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 199 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; 200 [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 201 [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 202 (1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 3-yl)methanol; 203 (1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-ethoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; 204 [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 205 [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 206 (1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]pyridin- 3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; 207 [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 208 [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-5-yl]methanol; 209 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4- triazol-5-yl)methanol; 210 [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 211 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 212 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methoxy-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 213 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(3-methoxy-1H-1,2,4- triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 214 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(5-methoxy-1H-1,2,4- triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 215 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(3-ethoxy-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 216 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 217 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-amine; 218 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 219 1-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-amine; 220 1-{[6-Methoxy-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-amine; 221 1-{[6-Methoxy-5-(3-methylphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-amine; 222 3-{5-[(3-Amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridin-3- yl]benzonitrile; 223 1-{[5-(3-Ethoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-amine; 224 1-{[5-(3-Cyclopropoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 225 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 226 1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 227 1-{[5-(5-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-amine; 228 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 229 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 230 1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]pyridin-3- yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 231 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-pyrazol-3-amine; 232 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-pyrazol-5-amine; 233 4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- pyrazol-3-amine; 234 4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- pyrazol-5-amine; 235 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-4- amine; 236 1-((6-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 237 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N- methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 238 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N,N- dimethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 239 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanamine; 240 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazole-3-carboxamide; 241 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-(oxetan-3- yl)benzamide; 242 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N- methylpyridine-2-carboxamide; 243 1-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)cyclopropane-1-carboxamide; 244 2-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide; 245 2-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)propan-2-ol; 246 2-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-5-yl)propan-2-ol; 247 2-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)propan-2-ol; 248 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2- yl)propan-2-ol; 249 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyridin-2-yl)propan-2-ol; 250 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyridine; 251 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[4-(fluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 252 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 253 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4- triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyridine; 254 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 255 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyrazine; 256 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine; 257 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-{[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4- triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyridine; 258 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-5-{[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4- triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyridine; 259 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine; 260 [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol; 261 (1-((6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-ethoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H- 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanol; 262 [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol; 263 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3- triazol-4-yl)methanol; 264 [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)- 1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol; 265 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3- triazol-4-yl)methanol; 266 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-{[4-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,3- triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyridine; 267 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-4- carboxylic acid; 268 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-4- carboxamide; 269 [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methanol; 270 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- imidazol-5-yl)methanol; 271 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 272 [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-pyrazol-3-yl]methanol; 273 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-4- yl)methanol; 274 (4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- pyrazol-3-yl)methanol; 275 (4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- pyrazol-5-yl)methanol; 276 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl(benzoic acid; 277 (1-((6-Ethoxy-5-(2-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 3-yl)methanol; 278 5-((5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2- amine; 279 5-((5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3- yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 280 2-(4-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl)methyl)phenyl)acetamide; 281 2-(5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- yl)acetamide; 282 5-{[5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 283 2-[(5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- yl)amino]ethan-1-ol; 284 2-(5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2- yl)-2-methylpropanenitrile; 285 2-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)acetonitrile; 286 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(5-ethoxypyridin-2-yl)methyl]-2- methoxypyridine; 287 5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2- amine; 288 5-((5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-amine; 289 2-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5- ethoxypyrazine; 290 2-((5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2- yl)amino)ethanol; 291 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((5-methyl-1H-tetrazol-1- yl)methylpyridine; 292 4-(5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2- yl)morpholine; 293 5-((6-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2- amine; 294 2-((5-((6-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)pyrimidin- 2-yl)amino)ethanol; 295 2-(1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-tetrazol- 5-yl)ethanol; 296 2-Ethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-((5-methyl-1H-tetrazol-1- yl)methyl)pyridine; 297 2′-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-((4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1- yl)methyl)-2-methoxy-3,4′-bipyridine; 298 2-((5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2- yl)oxy)acetamide; 299 (5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2- yl)methanol; 300 (1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; 301 5-((2′-(Difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-3- fluoropyridin-2-amine; 302 5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-ol; 303 2-((5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2- yl)oxy)ethanol; 304 5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-2- (difluoromethoxy)pyrimidine; 305 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-3- methylpyridazine; 306 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-fluoropyridin-3- yl)methyl]pyridine; 307 1-{[5-(2-Cyanopyridin-4-yl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- pyrazole-3-carboxamide; 308 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3- carboxamide; 309 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide; 310 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4- carboxamide; 311 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide; 312 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4- carboxamide; 313 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3- carboxamide; 314 1-{[6-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H- imidazole-4-carboxamide; 315 [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]methanol; 316 [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]methanol; 317 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-5-methyl-1H- pyrazol-3-amine; 318 1-[(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin- 2-yl)oxy]-2-methylpropan-2-ol; 319 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H- imidazol-5-yl)methanol; 320 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-3-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5-yl)methanol; 321 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 322 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 323 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-5-methyl-1H- pyrazol-3-yl)methanol; 324 (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 325 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-5-methyl-1H- pyrazol-3-yl)methanol; 326 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 327 (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 328 (1-{[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 329 (1-{[5-(5-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 330 (1-{[5-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 331 (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; 332 [1-({6-Ethoxy-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 333 [1-({6-Ethoxy-5-[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 334 (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(3-ethoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 335 [1-({5-[3-(Dimethylamino)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 336 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 337 (1-{[5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl]-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; 338 (1-{[5-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 339 [1-({6-Ethoxy-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-4-yl]pyridin-3-yl}methyl)- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; 340 (1-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl)methanol; 341 (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(3-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 3-yl)methanol; 342 (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol- 3-yl)methanol; 343 (1-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 344 (1-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 345 (1-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 346 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H- imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 347 4-{5-[(2-Ammopyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridin-3- yl}pyridine-2-carbonitrile; 348 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile; 349 5-{[5-(2-Ethoxypyridin-4-yl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin- 2-amine; 350 5-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 351 5-{[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 352 5-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 353 5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 354 5-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 355 5-{[5-(3-Ethoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 356 3-{5-[(2-Aminopyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridin-3- yl}benzonitrile; 357 5-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 358 2-(5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile; 359 5-{[5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 360 5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 361 5-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 362 5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- amine; 363 2-(4-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide; 364 2-(4-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide; 365 2-(4-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide; 366 2-(5-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide; 367 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- yl)-2-methylpropanamide; 368 2-(5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide; 369 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- yl)acetamide; 370 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide; 371 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide; 372 2-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}- 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)acetamide; 373 5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine- 2-carboxamide; 374 5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2- carboxamide; 375 2-[(5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)amino]ethan-1-ol; 376 (5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrazin-2- yl)methanol; 377 2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-5- methylpyrazine; 378 6-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-3- carbonitrile; 379 5-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}pyrazin-2-amine; 380 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 381 (2-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 382 (1-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 383 (2-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H- 1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 384 (1-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 385 (2-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H- 1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 386 (1-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 387 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 388 (2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-5-yl)methanol; 389 1-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- yl)pyrrolidin-3-ol; 390 1-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2- yl)azetidin-3-ol; 391 2-[(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin- 2-yl)amino]ethan-1-ol; 392 2-Ethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(5-methyl-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2- yl)methyl]pyridine; 393 3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2- yl)methyl]pyridine; 394 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-2H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-2-yl)methyl]pyridine; 395 3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 396 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 397 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol- 1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 398 3-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol- l-yl)methyl]pyridine; 399 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 400 2-Ethoxy-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-4-yl)-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 401 2-Ethoxy-3-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1- yl)methyl]pyridine; 402 2-Ethoxy-3-(3-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl)-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4- tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine; 403 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1- yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyrazine; 404 (5-{[6-(2,2-Difluoroethoxy)-5-(2-ethoxypyridin-4-yl)pyridin-3- yl]methyl}-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methanol; 405 [5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3- yl}methyl)-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl]methanol; 406 (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2- methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 407 1-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; Intermediate 49 Ethyl 2-(4-{[5-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)acetate; Intermediate 50 Ethyl 2-(4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3- yl]methyl}phenyl)acetate; and

Isotopically-Labeled Compounds

The invention also includes isotopically-labeled compounds, which are identical to those recited in Formula I, but for the fact that one or more atoms are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of the invention include isotopes of carbon, chlorine, fluorine, hydrogen, iodine, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, sulfur, and technetium, including ¹¹C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ³⁶Cl, ¹⁸F, ²H, ³H, ¹²³I, ¹²⁵I, ¹³N, ¹⁵N, ¹⁵O, ¹⁷O, ¹⁸O, ³¹P, ³²P, ³⁵S, and ^(99m)Tc.

Compounds of the present invention (and derivatives of such compounds, such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs) that contain the aforementioned isotopes or other isotopes of other atoms are within the scope of the invention. Isotopically-labeled compounds of the present invention are useful in drug and substrate tissue distribution and target occupancy assays. For example, isotopically labeled compounds are particularly useful in SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) and in PET (positron emission tomography), as discussed further herein.

Derivatives

The present invention also provides derivatives of a chemical entity of Formula (I), which include, but are not limited to, any salt, solvate, conformer, or crystalline form/polymorph.

Salts

Accordingly, in one embodiment the invention includes pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds represented by Formula (I), and methods using such salts.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include sulfates, pyrosulfates, bisulfates, sulfites, bisulfites, phosphates, monohydrogen-phosphates, dihydrogenphosphates, metaphosphates, pyrophosphates, chlorides, bromides, iodides, acetates, borate, nitrate, propionates, decanoates, caprylates, acrylates, formates, isobutyrates, caproates, heptanoates, propiolates, oxalates, malonates, succinates, suberates, sebacates, fumarates, maleates, butyne-1,4-dioates, hexyne-1,6-dioates, benzoates, chlorobenzoates, methylbenzoates, dinitrobenzoates, hydroxybenzoates, methoxybenzoates, phthalates, sulfonates, xylenesulfonates, phenylacetates, phenylpropionates, phenylbutyrates, citrates, lactates, y-hydroxybutyrates, glycolates, tartrates, methane-sulfonates, propanesulfonates, naphthalene-1-sulfonates, naphthalene-2-sulfonates, besylate, mesylate and mandelates.

When the compound of Formula (I) contains a basic nitrogen, the desired pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be prepared by any suitable method available in the art, for example, treatment of the free base with an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, nitric acid, boric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like, or with an organic acid, such as acetic acid, phenylacetic acid, propionic acid, stearic acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, isethionic acid, succinic acid, valeric acid, fumaric acid, malonic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, a pyranosidyl acid, such as glucuronic acid or galacturonic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, such as mandelic acid, citric acid, or tartaric acid, an amino acid, such as aspartic acid, glutaric acid or glutamic acid, an aromatic acid, such as benzoic acid, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, naphthoic acid, or cinnamic acid, a sulfonic acid, such as laurylsulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, any compatible mixture of acids such as those given as examples herein, and any other acid and mixture thereof that are regarded as equivalents or acceptable substitutes in light of the ordinary level of skill in this technology.

When the compound of Formula (I) is an acid, such as a carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid, the desired pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be prepared by any suitable method, for example, treatment of the free acid with an inorganic or organic base, such as an amine (primary, secondary or tertiary), an alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, any compatible mixture of bases such as those given as examples herein, and any other base and mixture thereof that are regarded as equivalents or acceptable substitutes in light of the ordinary level of skill in this technology. Illustrative examples of suitable salts include organic salts derived from amino acids, such as N-methyl-O-glucamine, lysine, choline, glycine and arginine, ammonia, carbonates, bicarbonates, primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, and cyclic amines, such as tromethamine, benzylamines, pyrrolidines, piperidine, morpholine, and piperazine, and inorganic salts derived from sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, and lithium.

Solvates

In other embodiments, the invention provides a solvate of a compound of Formula (I), and the use of such solvates in methods of present invention. Certain compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I) may be obtained as solvates. In some embodiments, the solvent is water and the solvates are hydrates.

More particularly, solvates include those formed from the interaction or complexes of compounds of the invention with one or more solvents, either in solution or as a solid or crystalline form. Such solvent molecules are those commonly used in the pharmaceutical art, which are known to be innocuous to the recipient, e.g., water, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and the like. Other solvents may be used as intermediate solvates in the preparation of more desirable solvates, such as MeOH, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, (S)-propylene glycol, (R)-propylene glycol, 1,4-butyne-diol, and the like. Hydrates include compounds formed by an incorporation of one or more water molecules.

Conformers and Crystalline Forms/Polymorphs

In other embodiments, the invention provides conformer and crystalline form of a compound of Formula (I), and the use of these derivatives in methods of present invention. A conformer is a structure that is a conformational isomer. Conformational isomerism is the phenomenon of molecules with the same structural formula but different conformations (conformers) of atoms about a rotating bond.

A polymorph is a composition having the same chemical formula, but a different solid state or crystal structure. In certain embodiments of the invention, compounds of Formula (I) were obtained in crystalline form. In addition, certain crystalline forms of compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I) may be obtained as co-crystals. In still other embodiments, compounds of Formula (I) may be obtained in one of several polymorphic forms, as a mixture of crystalline forms, as a polymorphic form, or as an amorphous form.

Prodrugs

The invention also relates to prodrugs of the compounds of Formula (I), and the use of such pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs in methods of the present invention, particularly therapeutic methods. Exemplary prodrugs include compounds having an amino acid residue, or a polypeptide chain of two or more (e.g., two, three or four) amino acid residues, covalently joined through an amide or ester bond to a free amino, hydroxy, or carboxylic acid group of a compound of Formula (I). Examples of amino acid residues include the twenty naturally occurring amino acids, commonly designated by three letter symbols, as well as 4-hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, desmosine, isodesmosine, 3-methylhistidine, norvaline, beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, citrulline homocysteine, homoserine, ornithine and methionine sulfone.

Additional types of prodrugs may be produced, for instance, by derivatizing free carboxyl groups of structures of Formula (I) as amides or alkyl esters. Examples of amides include those derived from ammonia, primary C₁₋₆alkyl amines and secondary di(C₁₋₆alkyl) amines. Secondary amines include 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkyl or heteroaryl ring moieties. Examples of amides include those that are derived from ammonia, C₁₋₃alkyl primary amines, and di(C₁₋₂alkyl)amines. Examples of esters of the invention include C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl, and phenyl(C₁₋₆alkyl) esters. Preferred esters include methyl esters. Prodrugs may also be prepared by derivatizing free hydroxy groups using groups including hemisuccinates, phosphate esters, dimethylaminoacetates, and phosphoryloxymethyloxycarbonyls, following procedures such as those outlined in Fleisher et al., Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 1996, 19, 115-130.

Carbamate derivatives of hydroxy and amino groups may also yield prodrugs. Carbonate derivatives, sulfonate esters, and sulfate esters of hydroxy groups may also provide prodrugs. Derivatization of hydroxy groups as (acyloxy)methyl and (acyloxy)ethyl ethers, wherein the acyl group may be an alkyl ester, optionally substituted with one or more ether, amine, or carboxylic acid functionalities, or where the acyl group is an amino acid ester as described above, is also useful to yield prodrugs. Prodrugs of this type may be prepared as described in Robinson et al., J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39, 10-18. Free amines can also be derivatized as amides, sulfonamides or phosphonamides. All of these prodrug moieties may incorporate groups including ether, amine, and carboxylic acid functionalities.

Prodrugs may be determined using routine techniques known or available in the art (e.g., Bundgaard (ed.), 1985, Design of prodrugs, Elsevier; Krogsgaard-Larsen et al., (eds.), 1991, Design and Application of Prodrugs, Harwood Academic Publishers).

Metabolites

The present invention also relates to a metabolite of a compound of Formula (I), as defined herein, and salts thereof. The present invention further relates to the use of such metabolites, and salts thereof, in methods of present invention, including therapeutic methods.

Metabolites of a compound may be determined using routine techniques known or available in the art. For example, isolated metabolites can be enzymatically and synthetically produced (e.g., Bertolini et al., J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 2011-2016; Shan et al., J. Pharm. Sci. 1997, 86, 765-767; Bagshawe, Drug Dev. Res. 1995, 34, 220-230; and Bodor, Adv Drug Res. 1984, 13, 224-231).

Compositions

In some embodiments Compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are used, alone or in combination with one or more additional active ingredients, to formulate pharmaceutical compositions. A pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises: (a) an effective amount of at least one active agent in accordance with the invention; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Formulations and Administration

Numerous standard references are available that describe procedures for preparing various formulations suitable for administering the compounds according to the invention.

Examples of potential formulations and preparations are contained, for example, in the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, American Pharmaceutical Association (current edition); Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets (Lieberman, Lachman and Schwartz, editors) current edition, published by Marcel Dekker, Inc., as well as Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Osol, ed.), 1980, 1553-1593.

Any suitable route of administration may be employed for providing an animal, especially a human, with an effective dosage of a compound of the present invention. For example, oral, rectal, topical, parenteral, ocular, pulmonary, nasal, and the like may be employed. Dosage forms include tablets, troches, dispersions, suspensions, solutions, capsules, creams, ointments, aerosols, and the like.

Suitable carriers, diluents and excipients are well known to those skilled in the art and include materials such as carbohydrates, waxes, water soluble and/or swellable polymers, hydrophilic or hydrophobic materials, gelatin, oils, solvents, water, and the like. The particular carrier, diluent, or excipient used will depend upon the means and purpose for which the compound of the present invention is being applied. Solvents are generally selected based on solvents recognized by persons skilled in the art as safe (GRAS) to be administered to an animal. In general, safe solvents are non-toxic aqueous solvents such as water and other non-toxic solvents that are soluble or miscible in water. Suitable aqueous solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols (e.g., PEG400, PEG300), etc. and mixtures thereof. The formulations may also include one or more buffers, stabilizing agents, surfactants, wetting agents, lubricating agents, emulsifiers, suspending agents, preservatives, antioxidants, opaquing agents, glidants, processing aids, colorants, sweeteners, perfuming agents, flavoring agents and other known additives to provide an elegant presentation of the drug (i.e., a compound of the present invention or pharmaceutical composition thereof) or aid in the manufacturing of the pharmaceutical product (i.e., medicament).

The formulations may be prepared using conventional dissolution and mixing procedures. For example, the bulk drug substance (i.e., a compound of the present invention or stabilized form of the compound (e.g., complex with a cyclodextrin derivative or other known complexation agent)) is dissolved in a suitable solvent in the presence of one or more of the excipients described above. The compound of the present invention is typically formulated into pharmaceutical dosage forms to provide an easily controllable and appropriate dosage of the drug.

The pharmaceutical composition (or formulation) for application may be packaged in a variety of ways, depending upon the method used to administer the drug. Generally, an article for distribution includes a container having deposited therein the pharmaceutical formulation in an appropriate form. Suitable containers are well-known to those skilled in the art and include materials such as bottles (plastic and glass), sachets, ampoules, plastic bags, metal cylinders, and the like. The container may also include a tamper-proof assemblage to prevent indiscreet access to the contents of the package. In addition, the container has deposited thereon a label that describes the contents of the container. The label may also include appropriate warnings.

The present compounds may be systemically administered, e.g., orally, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle such as an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. They may be enclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be compressed into tablets, or may be incorporated directly with the food of the patient's diet. For oral therapeutic administration, the active compound may be combined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of active compound. The percentage of the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and may conveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a given unit dosage form. The amount of active compound in such therapeutically useful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will be obtained.

The tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain the following: binders such as gum tragacanth, acacia, corn starch or gelatin; excipients such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agent such as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid and the like; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate; and a sweetening agent such as sucrose, fructose, lactose or aspartame or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring may be added. When the unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a vegetable oil or a polyethylene glycol. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unit dosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coated with gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like. A syrup or elixir may contain the active compound, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such as cherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing any unit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the active compound may be incorporated into sustained-release preparations and devices.

The active compound may also be administered intravenously or intraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Solutions of the active compound or its salts can be prepared in water, optionally mixed with a nontoxic surfactant. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, triacetin, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

The pharmaceutical dosage forms suitable for injection or infusion can include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions or sterile powders comprising the active ingredient which are adapted for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable or infusible solutions or dispersions, optionally encapsulated in liposomes. In all cases, the ultimate dosage form should be sterile, fluid, and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The liquid carrier or vehicle can be a solvent or liquid dispersion medium comprising, for example, water, ethanol, a polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and the like), vegetable oils, nontoxic glyceryl esters, and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the formation of liposomes, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions or by the use of surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, buffers or sodium chloride. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Sterile injectable solutions are typically prepared by incorporating the active compound in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with a variety of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filter sterilization. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, common methods of preparation are vacuum drying and the freeze drying techniques, which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient present in the previously sterile-filtered solutions.

For topical administration, the present compounds may be applied in pure form, i.e., when they are liquids. However, it will generally be desirable to administer them to the skin as compositions or formulations, in combination with a dermatologically acceptable carrier, which may be a solid or a liquid.

Useful solid carriers include finely divided solids such as talc, clay, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, alumina, and the like. Useful liquid carriers include water, alcohols or glycols or water-alcohol/glycol blends, in which the present compounds can be dissolved or dispersed at effective levels, optionally with the aid of non-toxic surfactants. Adjuvants such as fragrances and additional antimicrobial agents can be added to optimize the properties for a given use. The resultant liquid compositions can be applied from absorbent pads, used to impregnate bandages and other dressings, or sprayed onto the affected area using pump-type or aerosol sprayers.

Thickeners such as synthetic polymers, fatty acids, fatty acid salts and esters, fatty alcohols, modified celluloses or modified mineral materials can also be employed with liquid carriers to form spreadable pastes, gels, ointments, soaps, and the like, for application directly to the skin of the user.

Dosages

Useful dosages of the compounds of Formula (I) can be determined by comparing their in vitro activity and in vivo activity in animal models. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, and other animals, to humans are known to the art. Useful dosages of the compounds of formula I can be determined by comparing their in vitro activity, and in vivo activity in animal models. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, and other animals, to humans are known to the art (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,949). Useful dosages of PDE4 inhibitors are known to the art (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,829,713; U.S. Pat. No. 8,338,405).

Optimal dosages to be administered in the therapeutic methods of the present invention may be determined by those skilled in the art and will depend on multiple factors, including the particular composition in use, the strength of the preparation, the mode and time of administration, and the advancement of the disease or condition. Additional factors may include characteristics on the subject being treated, such as age, weight, gender, and diet.

In general, however, a suitable dose will be in the range from about 0.01 to about 100 mg/kg, more specifically, from about 0.1 to about 100 mg/kg, such as 10 to about 75 mg/kg of body weight per day, 3 to about 50 mg per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day, 0.5 to 90 mg/kg/day, or 1 to 60 mg/kg/day (or any other value or range of values therein). The compound is conveniently administered in a unit dosage form; for example, containing about 1 to 1000 mg, particularly about 10 to 750 mg, and more particularly, about 50 to 500 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

Preferably, the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of the active compound of from about 0.5 to about 75 μM, preferably, about 1 to 50 μM, and more preferably, about 2 to about 30 μM. This may be achieved, for example, by the intravenous injection of a 0.05 to 5% solution of the active ingredient, optionally in saline, or orally administered as a bolus containing about 1 to 100 mg of the active ingredient. Desirable blood levels may be maintained by continuous infusion to provide about 0.01 to 5.0 mg/kg/hr or by intermittent infusions containing about 0.4 to 15 mg/kg of the active ingredient(s).

The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example, as two, three, four or more sub-doses per day. The sub-dose itself may be further divided, e.g., into a number of temporally-distinct administrations used according to the compositions and methods of the present invention.

Effective amounts or doses of the active agents of the present invention may be ascertained by routine methods such as modeling, dose escalation studies or clinical trials, and by taking into consideration routine factors, e.g., the mode or route of administration or drug delivery, the pharmacokinetics of the agent, the severity and course of the disease, disorder, or condition, the subject's previous or ongoing therapy, the subject's health status and response to drugs, and the judgment of the treating physician. Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of active compound. The percentage of the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and may conveniently be between 2 to about 60% of the weight of a given unit dosage form. The amount of active compound in such therapeutically useful composition is such that an effective dosage level will be obtained. An exemplary dose is in the range from about 0.001 to about 200 mg of active agent per kg of subject's body weight per day, preferably about 0.05 to 100 mg/kg/day, or about 1 to 35 mg/kg/day, or about 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/daily in single or divided dosage units (e.g., BID, TID, QID). For a 70-kg human, an illustrative range for a suitable dosage amount is from 1 to 200 mg/day, or about 5 to 50 mg/day.

Methods and Uses Uses of Isotopically-Labeled Compounds

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of using isotopically labeled compounds and prodrugs of the present invention in: (i) metabolic studies (preferably with ¹⁴C), reaction kinetic studies (with, for example ²H or ³H); (ii) detection or imaging techniques [such as positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)] including drug or substrate tissue distribution assays; or (iii) in radioactive treatment of patients.

Isotopically labeled compounds and prodrugs of the invention thereof can generally be prepared by carrying out the procedures disclosed in the schemes or in the examples and preparations described below by substituting a readily available isotopically labeled reagent for a non-isotopically labeled reagent. An ¹⁸F or ¹¹C labeled compound may be particularly preferred for PET, and an I¹²³ labeled compound may be particularly preferred for SPECT studies. Further substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium (i.e., ²H) may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, for example increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements.

Therapeutic Methods Generally

In certain embodiments the present invention provides therapeutic methods of using a compound of Formula (I) and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs, and pharmaceutically active metabolites, whether alone or in combination (collectively, “active agents”) of the present invention are useful as inhibiting PDE4 in the methods of the invention. Such methods for inhibiting PDE4 comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of at least one chemical entity selected from compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs of compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically active metabolites of compounds of Formula (I). Embodiments of this invention inhibit PDE4. The invention further includes the use of such compounds and compositions therof in the methods described herein. In one aspect of such methods disclosed herein, the animal is healthy. In another aspect of such methods, the animal has a disorder. In another aspect of all such methods the animal is an aged animal. In preferred embodiments the animal in such methods is a human.

In one aspect, such chemical entities are useful as inhibitors of PDE4 enzymes. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for inhibiting PDE4, comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of a chemical entity of Formula (I) or composition thereof.

Chemical entities of the present invention may be administered as a mono-therapy or as part of a combination therapy. In one aspect, one or more of the compounds (or salts, prodrugs, or metabolites thereof) of the present invention may be co-administered or used in combination with one or more additional therapies known in the art.

Compounds of the present invention may also be used as adjunct therapy, for example, with other PDE inhibitors.

The present invention also includes methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition mediated by PDE4. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a disorder mediated by PDE4 in particular, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a chemical entity of Formula (I) or composition of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the present invention includes the use of a chemical entity of Formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disease, condition, or disorder by inhibiting PDE4 The present invention further provides a method of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a medicament of the present invention to a patient in need of such treatment to treat the disorder.

In one aspect, the compounds of the present invention are useful in enhancing neuronal plasticity—an essential property of the brain that can be augmented in healthy animals and can be impaired in numerous CNS disorders. For example, by inhibiting PDE4, a compound of the present invention can increase levels of cAMP, modulating cyclic nucleotide signaling cascades.

More particularly, the ability of extracellular signals to modulate the intracellular concentration of cyclic nucleotides allows cells to respond to external stimuli across the boundary of the cell membrane. The cyclic nucleotide signaling cascades have been adapted to respond to a host of transduction systems including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and voltage and ligand gated ion channels. Cyclic nucleotides transmit their signal in the cell through a variant of tertiary elements. The best described of these are cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cGMP dependent protein kinase (PKG). The binding of the cyclic nucleotide to each enzyme enables the phosphorylation of downstream enzymes and proteins functioning as effectors or additional elements in the signaling cascade. Of particular importance to memory formation is cAMP-dependent activation of PKA, which phosphorylates CREB. pCREB is an activated transcription factor, which binds to specific DNA loci and initiates transcription of multiple genes involved in neuronal plasticity (e.g., Tully et al., Nat. Rev. Drug. Discov. 2003, 2, 267-277; and Alberini, Physiol. Rev. 2009, 89, 121-145).

Consistent with these observations, both in vitro and in vivo studies have associated alterations in cyclic nucleotide concentrations with biochemical and physiological process linked to cognitive function (Kelly and Brandon, Progress in Brain Research, 2009, 179, 67-73; Schmidt, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2010, 10, 222-230). Moreover, signal intensity and the levels of coincident activity at a synapse are established variables that can result in potentiation of transmission at a particular synapse. Long term potentiation (LTP) is the best described of these processes and is known to be modulated by both the cAMP and cGMP signaling cascades.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of enhancing neuronal plasticity, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a chemical entity or composition of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a disease mediated by PDE4, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or composition of the present invention. PDE4-related indications that can be treated by compounds and compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to neurological disorders, inflammatory disorder, renal disorder, and other disorders involving PDE4.

Chemical entities and compositions of the present invention are also useful as neuroprotective agents, as described in greater detail herein. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of neuroprotection, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of at least one chemical entity or composition of the present invention.

Chemical entities and compositions of the present invention are also useful as agents in neurorehabilitation and neurorecovery, as described in greater detail herein. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of neurorehabilitation or neurorecovery, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of at least one chemical entity or composition of the present invention.

In addition, such compounds can be administered in conjunction with training protocols to treat cognitive or motor deficits associated with CNS disorders, as described in more detail herein. In addition, such compounds can be used to enhance the efficiency of training protocols in non-human animals, in particular healthy non-human animals, as described herein.

Neurological Disorders

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a neurological disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or composition described herein.

A neurological disorder (or condition or disease) is any disorder of the body's nervous system. Neurological disorders can be categorized according to the primary location affected, the primary type of dysfunction involved, or the primary type of cause. The broadest division is between central nervous system (CNS) disorders and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders.

Neurological disorders include structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves, abnormalities that can result in a range of symptoms. Examples of such symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain, altered levels of consciousness, and cognitive deficits, including memory impairments. There are many recognized neurological disorders, some relatively common, but many rare. They may be assessed by neurological examination, and studied and treated within the specialties of neurology and clinical neuropsychology.

Neurological disorders and their sequelae (direct consequences) affect as many as one billion people worldwide, as estimated by the World Health Organization in 2006. Interventions for neurological disorders may include, in addition to medications, preventative measures, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy or other therapies, neurorehabilitation, pain management, and surgery.

Neurological disorders include, but are not limited to the following (which are not necessarily mutually exclusive): psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and anxiety disorders; personality disorders; substance-related disorders; dissociative disorders; eating disorders; sleep disorders; developmental disorders; neurodegenerative disorders, including movement disorders; trauma-related disorders; pain disorders; and cognitive disorders, a category that includes memory disorders such as AAMI and MCI, as well as cognitive deficits (particularly memory deficits) associated with CNS disorders.

Psychiatric Disorders

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a psychiatric disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. Psychiatric disorders include mood (or affective) disorders, psychotic disorders, and anxiety (or neurotic) disorders.

Mood Disorders

In some embodiments, the psychiatric disorder is a mood (or affective) disorder. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating a mood disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. In a specific aspect, the mood disorder is a depressive disorder, including a dysthymic disorder, major depressive disorder (recurrent and single episode), mania, bipolar disorders (I and II), and cyclothymic disorder. Long-standing research underscores a role for PDE4 in mood disorders, including depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, and substance induced mood disorders is known in the literature.

A specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a substance induced mood disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of substance induced mood disorders is known in the literature.

Psychotic Disorders

In some embodiments, the psychiatric disorder is a psychotic disorder. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating a psychotic disorder, comprising an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. In a specific aspect, the psychotic disorder is one or more of the following: schizophrenia; schizophreniform disorder; schizoaffective disorder; delusional disorder; brief psychotic disorder; shared psychotic disorder; substance-induced psychotic disorders, such as a psychosis induced by alcohol, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, or phencyclidine; and personality disorders at times of stress (including paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder).

A specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a delusional disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of delusional disorders is known in the literature.

A particular embodiment of the invention is a method of treating schizophrenia, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of schizophrenia, including schizophreniform disorder and schizoaffective disorder, is known in the literature.

Anxiety Disorders

In some embodiments, the psychiatric disorder is an anxiety (or neurotic) disorder. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating an anxiety disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. More particularly, the anxiety disorder is one or more of the following: panic disorder, specific phobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder; and acute stress disorder. The use of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of anxiety is known in the literature.

Personality Disorders

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is a personality disorder. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating a personality disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. In particular embodiments, the personality disorder is one or more of the following: includes those of Cluster A (odd or eccentric), such as paranoid or schizoid personality disorder; those of Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic), such as antisocial, borderline, or narcissistic personality disorder; and those of Cluster C (anxious or fearful), such as avoidant, dependent, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Substance Related Disorders

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is a substance-related disorder. Accordingly, a specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a substance-related disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

More particularly, the substance-related disorder includes one or more of the following: an alcohol-related disorder, such as abuse, dependence, and withdrawal; an amphetamine (or amphetamine-related) disorder, such as abuse, dependence and withdrawal, a cocaine-related disorder, such as abuse, dependence and withdrawal; a hallucinogen-related disorder, such as abuse, dependence and withdrawal; an inhalant-related disorder, such as dependent and withdrawal; a nicotine-related disorder, such as dependence and withdrawal; an opioid-related disorder, such as abuse, dependence and withdrawal; a phencyclidine (or phencyclidine-like) related disorder, such as abuse and dependence; and a sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic-related disorder, such as abuse, dependence, and withdrawal.

In a specific embodiment, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful as an aid to a treatment of smoking cessation. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating smoking addiction, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound or composition of the present invention.

Dissociative Disorders

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is a dissociative disorder. Accordingly, a specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a dissociative disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. More particularly, the dissociative disorder includes one or more of the following: depersonalization disorder, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder.

Eating Disorders

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is an eating disorder. Accordingly, a specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating an eating disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. More particularly, the eating disorder is anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of eating disorders is known in the literature.

Sleep Disorders

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is a sleep disorder. Accordingly, a specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a sleep disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. More particularly, the sleep disorder includes a primary sleep disorder, such as primary hypersomnia, primary insomnia, and narcolepsy; a parasomnia, such as a nightmare or sleep terror disorder; and other sleep disorders. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of sleep disorders is known in the literature.

In other embodiments, the sleep disorder is restless leg syndrome. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects the legs and causes an urge to move them. People with restless legs syndrome have uncomfortable sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations. The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying or sitting. The sensations can lead to sleep deprivation and stress. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating restless leg syndrome, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound or composition of the present invention.

Developmental Disorders

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is a developmental disorder. Accordingly, a specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a developmental disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

More particularly, the developmental disorder is one or more of the following: mental retardation, including mild, moderate, and severe forms; a learning disorder, such as that affecting reading, mathematics, or written expression; a motor skill disorder, such as developmental coordination disorder; a communication disorder; a pervasive developmental disorder, such as an autistic disorder, Rhett's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Asperger's disorder; an attention-deficit or disruptive disorder, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; and a tic disorder, such as Tourette's disorder, chronic motor disorder, or vocal tic disorder.

A specific embodiment of the invention is a method of treating an autistic disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is known in the literature.

Neurodegenerative Disorders

In particular embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating a oneurodegenerative disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

In one aspect, neurodegenerative disorders include Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, corticobasal degeneration, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and a disorder associated with repetitive head injury.

Alzheimer's Disease

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. A detailed set of criteria for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's is set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, text revision (2000), also known as the DSM-IV-TR). First, multiple cognitive deficits must be present, one of which must be memory impairment. Second, one or more of the following must be present: aphasia (deterioration of language abilities); apraxia (difficulty executing motor activities—even though movement, senses, and the ability to understand what is being asked are still intact); or agnosia (impaired ability to recognize or identify objects—even though sensory abilities are intact).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

In another specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig's Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. As motor neurons degenerate, they can no longer send impulses to the muscle fibers that normally result in muscle movement.

Early symptoms of ALS often include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

Movement Disorders

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating a movement disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. In one aspect, the movement disorder includes one or more of the following: Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, an essential tremor, a Lewy body disease, hypokinetic disease, Multiple Sclerosis, various types of Peripheral Neuropathy, dystonia, a basal ganglia disorder, hypokinesia (including akinesia), and dyskinesia. In addition, Tourette's syndrome and other tic disorders can be included as categories of movement disorders. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of movement disorders is known in the literature.

In related embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating chorea, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. Chorea can occur in a variety of conditions and disorders, and is a primary feature of Huntington's disease, a progressive neurological disorder.

Huntington's Disease

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating Huntington's disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

Huntington's Disease (HD, or Huntington chorea) is a disorder passed down through families in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate. It is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 4, causing a CAG repeat, to occur many more times than normal. The CAG element is normally repeated 10 to 28 times, but in persons with Huntington's disease, is repeated 36 to 120 times.

There are two forms of Huntington's disease: adult-onset Huntington's disease—which is the most common form and usually begins in the mid 30s and 40s; and early-onset Huntington's disease, which accounts for a small number of cases and begins in childhood or adolescence.

Symptoms of Huntington's disease include behavioral changes, abnormal and unusual movements, and worsening dementia. Behavioral changes may include behavioral disturbances, hallucinations, irritability, moodiness, restlessness or fidgeting, paranoia, and psychosis. Abnormal and unusual movements include facial movements, such as grimaces; head turning to shift eye position; quick, sudden, sometimes wild jerking movements of the arms, legs, face, and other body parts; slow, uncontrolled movements; and unsteady gait. Worsening dementia includes; disorientation or confusion; loss of judgment; loss of memory; personality changes; and speech changes (e.g., Dumas et al., Front Biosci (Schol Ed) 2013, 5, 1-18). The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in treating Huntington's disease is known in the art.

Parkinson's Disease

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating Parkinson's disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating myoclonus, Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, dystonia, or tics, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of myoclonus, Tourette's syndrome, dystonia and tics is known in the literature.

In a specific aspect, a movement disorder also includes multiple sclerosis, basal ganglia disorders, hypokinesia, and dyskinesia.

Lewy Body Diseases

In one embodiment, the present embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a Lewy Body Disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or composition of the present invention. Lewy bodies appear as spherical masses that displace other cell components. The two morphological types are classical (brain stem) Lewy bodies and cortical Lewy bodies. A classical Lewy body is an eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion consisting of a dense core surrounded by a halo of 10-nm-wide radiating fibrils, the primary structural component of which is alpha-synuclein. In contrast, a cortical Lewy body is less well defined and lacks the halo. Nonetheless, it is still made up of alpha-synuclein fibrils. Cortical Lewy bodies are a distinguishing feature of Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), but may occasionally be seen in ballooned neurons characteristic of Pick's disease and corticobasal degeneration, as well as in patients with other tauopathies.

More particularly, the Lewy Body disorder is selected from the group consisting of multiple system atrophy, particularly the Parkinsonian variant; Parkinson disease without or with dementia (PDD); dementia with LBs (DLB) alone or in association with Alzheimer disease (AD); multiple system atrophy, particularly the Parkinsonian variant, as well as Pick's disease and corticobasal degeneration.

Multiple Sclerosis

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a motor symptom associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), compring administering to animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or composition of the present invention. MS is an autoimmune, demyelinating disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of the CNS. It affects women more than men and is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age.

MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop. Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body. Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions).

Muscle symptoms associated with MS include loss of balance; muscle spasms; numbness, tingling, or abnormal sensation in any area; problems moving arms or legs; problems walking; problems with coordination and making small movements; tremor in one or more arms or legs; and weakness in one or more arms or legs.

Basal Ganglia Disorders

In particular embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a basal ganglia disorder. Basal ganglia disorders refer to a group of physical dysfunctions that occur when the group of nuclei in the brain known as the basal ganglia fail to properly suppress unwanted movements or to properly prime upper motor neuron circuits to initiate motor function (Leisman and Mello, Rev. Neurosci. 2013, 24, 9-25).

Increased output of the basal ganglia inhibits thalamocortical projection neurons. Proper activation or deactivation of these neurons is an integral component for proper movement. If something causes too much basal ganglia output, then the thalamocortical projection neurons become too inhibited and one cannot initiate voluntary movement. These disorders are known as hypokinetic disorders. However, a disorder leading to abnormally low output of the basal ganglia leads to relatively no inhibition of the thalamocortical projection neurons. This situation leads to an inability to suppress unwanted movements. These disorders are known as hyperkinetic disorders (Wichmann and DeLong, Curr. Opin. Neurobiol 1996, 6, 751-758).

Hypokinesia

In particular embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating hypokinesia. Hypokinesia refers to decreased bodily movements, and they may be associated with basal ganglia diseases (such as Parkinson's disease), mental health disorders and prolonged inactivity due to illness, amongst other diseases.

More generally, hypokinesia describes a spectrum of disorders, including: (i) Akinesia, which refers to the inability to initiate movement due to difficulty selecting or activating motor programs in the central nervous system. Akinesia is a result of severely diminished dopaminergic cell activity in the direct pathway of movement and is common in severe cases of Parkinson's disease; (ii) Bradykinesia, which is characterized by slowness of movement and has been linked to Parkinson's disease and other disorders of the basal ganglia. Rather than being a slowness in initiation (akinesia), bradykinesia describes a slowness in the execution of movement. It is one of the 3 key symptoms of parkinsonism, which are bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity. Bradykinesia is also the cause of what is normally referred to as “stone face” (expressionless face) among those with Parkinson's; (iii) Freezing, which is characterized by an inability to move muscles in any desired direction; and (iv) Rigidity, which is characterized by an increase in muscle tone causing resistance to externally imposed joint movements; and (v) Postural instability, which is the loss of ability to maintain an upright posture.

Dyskinesia

In particular embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is a movement disorder which consists of adverse effects including diminished voluntary movements and the presence of involuntary movements, similar to tics or chorea.

Dyskinesia can be anything from a slight tremor of the hands to uncontrollable movement of, most commonly, the upper body but can also be seen in the lower extremities. Discoordination can also occur internally especially with the respiratory muscles and it often goes unrecognized. Dyskinesia is a symptom of several medical disorders, distinguished by the underlying cause and generally corresponding to one of three types: acute dyskinesia, chronic (or tardive) dyskinesia, and non-motor dyskinesia.

More specifically, a dyskinesia can include one or more the following: paroxysmal dyskinesias, e.g., primary and secondary paroxysmal dyskinesias; paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesias (PKD); paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesias (PNKD); paroxysmal exercise-induced (exertion-induced) dyskinesias (PED); and paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesias (PHD).

Trauma-Related Disorders

In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a trauma-related disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

In specific embodiments, trauma-related disorders comprise brain trauma; head trauma (closed and penetrating); head injury; tumors, especially cerebral tumors affecting the thalamic or temporal lobe head injuries; cerebrovascular disorders (diseases affecting the blood vessels in the brain), such as stroke, ischemia, hypoxia, and viral infection (e.g., encephalitis); excitotoxicity; and seizures.

Conditions within the scope of the invention that are amenable to neuroprotection include: Stroke; traumatic brain injury (TB); Dementia; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; Huntington's disease; Cerebral palsy; Post-polio syndrome; Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Multiple Sclerosis; and other developmental syndromes, genetic conditions, and progressive CNS diseases affecting cognitive function, such as autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Down syndrome, and other forms of mental retardation.

Pain Disorders

In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods of treating pain, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of pain is known in the literature.

In particular embodiments, the pain disorder includes one or more of the following: dental pain, cancer pain, myofascial pain, perioperative pain, acute pain, chronic pain, posttraumatic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine severe pain, intractable pain, neuropathic pain, post-traumatic pain, cancer pain, non-cancer pain. Pain also encompasses a pain disorder associated with psychological factors, a pain disorder associated with a general medical condition, and a pain disorder associated with both psychological factors and a general medical condition.

Cognitive Disorders

In particular embodiments of the invention, the neurological disorder is a cognitive disorder. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating a cognitive disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of cognitive disorders is known in the literature (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,829,713; U.S. Pat. No. 8,338,405).

Cognitive disorders can significantly impair social and occupational functioning, adversely impacting the autonomy and quality of life of the affected individual. An estimated four to five million Americans (about 2% of all ages and 15% of those older than 65) have some form and degree of cognitive impairment (Abrams et al., Merck Manual of Geriatrics, 1995, Whitehouse Station (NJ), Medical Services).

Cognitive disorders reflect problems in cognition, i.e., the general processes by which knowledge is acquired, retained and used. Accordingly, cognitive disorders can encompass impairments in such functions as concentration, perception, attention, information processing, learning, memory, or language. Cognitive disorders can also encompass impairments in psychomotor learning abilities, which include physical skills, such as movement and coordination; fine motor skills such as the use of precision instruments or tools; and gross motor skills, such as dance, musical, or athletic performance.

Cognitive disorders also encompass impairments in executive functions, which include abilities underlying the planning and execution of goal-oriented behaviors. Such abilities include flexibility, i.e., the capacity for quickly switching to the appropriate mental mode; anticipation and prediction based on pattern recognition; reasoning and problem-solving; decision making; working memory, i.e., the capacity to hold and manipulate internally- or externally-derived information in real time; emotional self-regulation, including the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions for good performance; sequencing, such as the ability to dissect complex actions into manageable units and prioritize them in the right order; and self-inhibition, i.e., the ability to withstand distraction and internal urges.

Cognitive disorders also comprise cognitive impairments (deficits or dysfunctions) that are associated with (due to) to CNS disorders. In one aspect, a cognitive impairment can be a direct result of a CNS disorder. For example, impairments in speech and language can directly result from a stroke or head-injury that damages the brain regions controlling speech and language, as in aphasia.

In another aspect, a cognitive impairment is associated with a complex CNS disorder, condition, or disease. For example, a cognitive impairment can comprise a deficit in executive control that accompanies autism or mental retardation; a deficit in memory associated with schizophrenia or Parkinson's disease; or a cognitive deficit arising from multiple sclerosis. In the case of multiple sclerosis (MS), for example, about one-half of MS patients will experience problems with cognitive function, such as slowed thinking, decreased concentration, or impaired memory. Such problems typically occur later in the course of MS—although in some cases they can occur much earlier, if not at the onset of disease.

Cognitive impairments can be due to many, non-exclusive categories of CNS disorders, including the following (and as described herein):

-   (1) dementias, such as those associated with Alzheimer's disease,     Parkinson's disease; Huntington's disease, Pick's disease,     Creutzfeldt-Jakob, AIDS Dementia, and other neurodegenerative     disorders; and cognitive disabilities associated with progressive     diseases involving the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis. -   (2) psychiatric disorders, which include affective (mood) disorders,     such as depression and bipolar disorders; psychotic disorders, such     as schizophrenia and delusional disorder; and neurotic and anxiety     disorders, such as phobias, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive     disorder, generalized anxiety disorder; eating disorders; and     posttraumatic stress disorders. -   (3) developmental syndromes, genetic conditions, and progressive CNS     diseases affecting cognitive function, such as autism spectrum     disorders; fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD); Rubinstein-Taybi     syndrome; Down syndrome, and other forms of mental retardation; and     multiple sclerosis. -   (4) trauma-dependent losses of cognitive functions, i.e.,     impairments in memory, language, or motor skills resulting from     brain trauma; head trauma (closed and penetrating); head injury;     tumors, especially cerebral tumors affecting the thalamic or     temporal lobe; cerebrovascular disorders (diseases affecting the     blood vessels in the brain), such as stroke, ischemia, hypoxia, and     viral infection (e.g., encephalitis); excitotoxicity; and seizures.     Such trauma-dependent losses also encompass cognitive impairments     resulting from extrinsic agents such as alcohol use, long-term drug     use, and neurotoxins, e.g., lead, mercury, carbon monoxide, and     certain insecticides (e.g., Duncan et al., Drug Discover. Ther.     2012, 6, 112-122). -   (5) age-associated cognitive deficits, including age-associated     memory impairment (AAMI; also referred to herein as age-related     memory impairment (AMI)), and deficits affecting patients in early     stages of cognitive decline, as in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI);     and -   (6) learning, language, or reading disabilities, such as perceptual     handicaps, dyslexia, and attention deficit disorders.

Accordingly, the invention provides a method of treating a cognitive impairment associated with a CNS disorder selected from one or more of the group comprising: dementias, including those associated with neurodegenerative disorders; psychiatric disorders; developmental syndromes, genetic conditions, and progressive CNS diseases and genetic conditions; trauma-dependent losses of cognitive function, age-associated cognitive deficits; and learning, language, or reading disorders.

Dementias

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a cognitive deficit associated with dementia, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

Dementias are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by learning and cognitive deficiencies and are typically accompanied by behavioral symptoms, psychological symptoms and motor symptoms. More particularly, dementia symptoms can include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including emotional behavior or personality, language, memory, perception, and thinking and judgment.

Dementias include, but are not limited to, the following: dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (with early or late onset), dementia due to Parkinson's disease, dementia due to Pick's disease, dementia due to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, dementia due to HIV disease, dementia due to head trauma; dementia due to a vascular disease (“vascular dementia”), Lewy body dementia, fronto-temporal dementia, Pick's disease and corticobasal degeneration.

In one embodiment, dementia is due to Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is known in the literature. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of treating dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

In another embodiment, dementia is due to Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of treating dementia due to Parkinson's disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. Dementia has been reported to occur in approximately 20%-60% of individuals with Parkinson's disease and is more likely to be present in older individuals or those with more severe or advanced disease. The dementia associated with Parkinson's disease is characterized by cognitive and motoric slowing; problems with executive functioning, such as planning tasks, organizing projects, or carrying out goals in the proper sequence; and impairment in memory retrieval. Declining cognitive performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease is frequently exacerbated by depression. The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in treating Parkinson's disease is known in the literature.

Dementia has been reported to occur in approximately 20%-60% of individuals with Parkinson's disease and is more likely to be present in older individuals or those with more severe or advanced disease. The dementia associated with Parkinson's disease is characterized by cognitive and motoric slowing, executive dysfunction, and impairment in memory retrieval. Declining cognitive performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease is frequently exacerbated by depression. For a review, Davie, Br. Med. Bull. 2008, 86, 109-127. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease result from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain; the cause of this cell death is unknown. Early in the course of the disease, the most obvious symptoms are movement-related. Four motor symptoms are considered cardinal in PD: shaking (tremors), rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability, i.e., difficulty with walking and gait (e.g., Jankovic, J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. 2008, 79, 368-376). Later, cognitive and behavioral problems may arise, with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems. PD is more common in the elderly, with most cases occurring after the age of 50.

In another aspect, a cognitive impairment is associated with a complex CNS syndrome, condition, or disease. For example, a cognitive impairment can comprise a deficit in executive control that accompanies autism or mental retardation; a deficit in memory associated with schizophrenia or Parkinson's disease; or a cognitive deficit arising from multiple sclerosis. In the case of multiple sclerosis (MS), for example, about one-half of MS patients will experience problems with cognitive function, such as slowed thinking, decreased concentration, or impaired memory. Such problems typically occur later in the course of MS—although in some cases they can occur much earlier, if not at the onset of disease.

In one aspect, a cognitive impairment can be a direct result of a CNS disorder. For example, impairments in speech and language can directly result from a stroke or head-injury that damages the brain regions controlling speech and language, as in aphasia.

Psychiatric Disorders

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a cognitive deficit associated with a psychiatric disorder, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. Psychiatric disorders include affective disorders (mood disorders), such as depression and bipolar disorders; psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder; and neurotic and anxiety disorders, such as phobias, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders.

Developmental Syndromes, Genetic Disorders, and Progressive Diseases

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a cognitive deficit associated with a developmental syndrome, genetic disorder, or progressive disease, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein. In a specific aspect, the cognitive deficit is associated with an autism spectrum disorder; a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD); Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome; Down syndrome, and other forms of mental retardation; and multiple sclerosis.

Trauma-Related Disorders

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a cognitive deficit associated with trauma. Such trauma-dependent losses of cognitive function include, but are not limited to, those due to cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke and ischemia; brain trauma, including subdural hematoma and brain tumor; traumatic brain injury (TBI) and head injury.

Such trauma-dependent losses also encompass cognitive impairments resulting from extrinsic agents such as alcohol use, long-term drug use, and neurotoxins such as lead, mercury, carbon monoxide, and certain insecticides.

Stroke

In some embodiments, chemical entities and compositions of the present invention are useful in treating stroke, and in more specific embodiments, treating motor or cognitive impairments during post-stroke rehabilitation. Stroke care is a temporal continuum that includes immediate (acute) treatments and subsequent rehabilitative therapy.

Acute treatments directly target the initial damage, such as that triggered by ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke; they usually involve using agents to dissolve clots and restore blood flow to reduce tissue damage and stabilize the patient. The efficacy of acute treatments is typically limited to a short time window extending only a few hours from stroke onset.

Rehabilitation becomes the therapeutic focus after the patient has been medically stabilized. Rehabilitation (also referred to as “stroke rehabilitation” or “post-stroke rehabilitation”) is directed to cognitive and motor deficits that persist after the initial stroke injury, the goal being to restore and recover neurological function as much as possible to compensate for the permanent tissue loss. (e.g., 1995 Clinical Guideline by the Department of Health and Human Services on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation.)

Stroke rehabilitation is typically a comprehensive program coordinated by a team of medical professionals. A physical therapist on the team, for example, may focus on maintaining and restoring range of motion and strength in affected limbs, maximizing mobility in walking, improving manual dexterity, and rehabilitating other motor and sensorimotor functions. A mental health professional may be involved in the treatment of loss of cognitive skills. Rehabilitation services can occur in multiple environments, such as a rehabilitation hospital, long-term care facility, outpatient clinic, or at home.

Neurological functions impacted by stroke (and which can be targeted during rehabilitation) include impairments in cognitive and motor functions. Cognitive function impairments, for example, can manifest as deficits in understanding speech or writing (aphasia); knowing the right words but having trouble saying them clearly (dysarthria); as well as deficits in other cognitive functions, such as attention, reasoning, planning, execution, and learning and memory. Motor function impairments, for example, can manifest as weakness (hemiparesis) or paralysis (hemiplegia) on one side of the body that may affect the whole side or just the arm or leg; by problems with balance or coordination; deficits in gross motor skills such as gait and walking speed; deficits in fine motor skills or manual dexterity; and deficits in upper and lower extremity function.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the use of a PDE4 inhibitor in the treatment of stroke, including methods of post stroke rehabilitation. In certain embodiments, chemical entities of the present invention are useful during stroke rehabilitation to treat stroke deficits (or “post-stroke deficits”) resulting from impaired neurological functions. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of post-stroke rehabilitation comprising: (a) administering to a subject in need thereof a PDE4 inhibitor during recovery of the subject from stroke; (b) providing training to the subject under conditions sufficient to improve performance of a neurological function whose impairment is due to said stroke; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times, whereby the amount of training sufficient to improve the performance is reduced relative to that produced by training alone.

In one aspect, the PDE4 inhibitor is a chemical entity of the present invention. In some embodiments, the deficit is a motor deficit. In other embodiments, the deficit is a cognitive deficit, particularly, a deficit in memory formation, and more specifically, a deficit in long-term memory formation. In still other embodiments, the deficit may include a cognitive and motor deficit. In another aspect, training comprises a battery of tasks directed to the neurological function. In a specific aspect, the reduction in the amount of training is a reduction in the number of training sessions.

In a further embodiment, one or more training steps are separated by a discrete interval. In one aspect, each training step is provided daily. In other aspects, the interval between one or more training steps can be less than one day or more than one day e.g., such as once a week, twice a week, three times a week, or longer.

In a further embodiment, said administering step (a) is in conjunction with said training step (b). In one aspect, the subject is a human. In another aspect, the subject has undergone neuronal stem cell manipulation. In other aspects, the compound is administered before and during each training session.

Age-Associated Cognitive Deficits AAMI

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating an age-associated cognitive deficit. In one aspect, the age-associated cognitive deficit is age-related memory impairment (AAMI). Accordingly, the invention provides a method of treating age-associated memory impairment (AAMI), comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

AAMI is a decline in various cognitive abilities, in particular memory abilities, associated with normal aging. For example, AAMI subjects show a decline in the ability to encode new memories of events or facts, as well as working memory (Hedden and Gabrieli, Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2004, 5, 87-96). In addition, AAMI subjects, when compared with age-matched controls, appeared to be impaired in tests of executive functions associated with frontal lobe function. These and other studies suggest an important role for frontal lobe dysfunction in the memory loss of elderly people. More generally, studies comparing the effects of aging on episodic memory, semantic memory, short-term memory and priming find that episodic memory is especially impaired in normal aging; but some types of short-term memory can also be impaired (Nilsson, Acta Neurol. Scand. Suppl. 2003, 179, 7-13).

In general, an AAMI diagnosis identifies persons with subjectively and objectively evidenced memory loss without cognitive decline impaired enough to warrant the diagnosis of dementia. According to criteria established by the NIH working group (Crook et al., Devel. Neuropsychol. 1986, 2, 261-276) a diagnosis of AAMI includes the following in a person aged 50 or older:

-   -   (i) the presence of subjective memory decline, e.g., complaints         of memory loss reflected in such everyday problems as difficulty         remembering names of individuals introduced to the subject,         misplacing objects, difficulty remembering a list of items to be         purchased or a list of tasks to be performed;     -   (ii) objective evidence of memory loss (e.g., a score at least         one standard deviation below the mean of younger adults in a         well standardized memory test);     -   (iii) evidence of adequate intellectual function (e.g., a raw         score of at least 32) on the Vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler         Adult Intelligence Scale; and     -   (iv) the absence of dementia (or other memory-affecting disease,         such as stroke), e.g., based on the Global Deterioration Scale         for assessment of dementia, individuals with AAMI have very mild         cognitive decline (level 2) (Reisberg et al., Am. J. Psych.         1982, 139,1136-1139).

Individuals with AAMI have been shown to have a three-fold greater risk for development of dementia than individuals who do not meet AAMI criteria (Goldman and Morris, Alzheimer Dis. Assoc. Disord. 2002, 15:72-79).

MCI

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI), comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

MCI may be diagnosed when an individual's memory declines below the level considered normal for that age group. In other words, MCI is a condition in which people face memory problems more often than that of the average person their age. These symptoms, however, do not prevent them from carrying out normal activities and are not as severe as the symptoms for Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms often include misplacing items, forgetting events or appointments, and having trouble thinking of desired words.

According to recent research, MCI has been called the transitional state between cognitive changes of normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many people who experience mild cognitive impairment are at a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, research suggests that: about 12% of people aged 65 or older diagnosed with MCI go on to develop Alzheimer's disease within a year; and that about 40% develop Alzheimer's within three years. This is a much higher rate than in the general population, wherein only about 1% of people aged 65 or older develop Alzheimer's each year.

Thus, people with MCI are considered at heightened risk to develop Alzheimer's disease. These symptoms, however, do not prevent them from carrying out normal activities and are not as severe as the symptoms for Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms often include misplacing items, forgetting events or appointments, and having trouble thinking of desired words (e.g., Arnmiz and Almkvist, Acta Neurol. Scand. Suppl. 2003, 179, 34-41). Some patients with MCI, however, never progress to AD.

Learning and Related Disabilities

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a learning, language, or reading disability, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

Neuroprotection

In specific embodiments, the invention provides a method of neuroprotection, comprising administering to animal in need thereof an effective amount of a chemical entity or composition of the present invention.

Like neuroplasticity, neuroprotection reflects an endogenous neurobiological process that is central to protection of the nervous system. More specifically, neuroprotection refers to the ability to halt or slow the loss of neurons, thereby preventing or slowing disease progression and secondary injuries. In a particular aspect, neuroprotection targets neuronal damage arising from oxidative stress and excitotoxicity—both of which are highly associated with CNS disorders, despite differences in symptoms or injuries.

The utility of PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of neuronal damage is known in the literature. In addition to neurodegenerative diseases, neuronal damage can also result from other sources of trauma, such as cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke and ischemia; brain trauma, including subdural hematoma and brain tumor; and head injury.

Augmented Cognitive and Motor Training

In certain embodiments, a compound or composition herein is used as an augmenting agent in methods to enhance the efficiency of cognitive or motor training (collectively “training”). Such enhancement methods are collectively known as “augmented training,” comprising “augmented cognitive training” or “augmented motor training.”

Training generally requires multiple sessions to attain the desired benefits, for example, to rehabilitate a motor deficit or language deficit following stroke. This can be costly and time-consuming, deterring subject compliance and the realization of real world benefits that endure over time. The efficiency of such training protocols can be improved by administering certain agents (known as augmenting agents) in conjunction with the training protocol (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,868,015; U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,731; US 2008-0188525). Augmented training comprises a specific training protocol for a particular brain function, such as that underlying declarative memory, performance of a fine motor skill, locomotion, language acquisition, an executive function, etc., and a general administration of CREB pathway-enhancing drugs. The training protocol (cognitive or motor training) induces neuronal activity in specific brain regions and produces improved performance of a specific brain (cognitive or motor) function. In other words, the use of augmenting agents achieves cognitive training effects with less repetition, i.e., fewer training sessions.

In some embodiments, the invention provides methods of treating a cognitive disorder, and more particularly, methods for improving a cognitive deficit associated with a central nervous system (CNS) disorder or condition in an animal, comprising treating the animal with an augmenting agent that enhances CREB pathway function in conjunction with cognitive training, wherein the augmenting agent is a compound or composition of the present invention. Exemplary compounds of the present inventions, for example, have been shown to activate CREB in cell-based assays.

In one aspect, the method comprises: (a) providing cognitive training to a subject in need of treatment of a cognitive deficit under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a cognitive function whose impairment is associated with said cognitive deficit; (b) administering a compound or composition of the present invention to the animal in conjunction with said cognitive training; repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times; and (d) reducing the number of training sessions sufficient to produce the improvement in performance, relative to the same improvement in performance produced by cognitive training alone.

In another aspect, the method comprises: (a) providing cognitive training to a subject in need of treatment of a cognitive deficit under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a cognitive function whose impairment is associated with said cognitive deficit; (b) administering a compound or composition of the present invention to the animal in conjunction with said cognitive training; repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times; and (d) producing a long-lasting improvement in performance of said function relative to the improvement in performance of said function produced by cognitive training alone.

In one aspect, a compound or composition of the present invention can be used as an augmenting agent in conjunction with any psychotherapeutic approach intended to modulate cognitive function in the brain, thereby enhancing the efficacy of such therapy by reducing the number of sessions necessary to attain benefits.

In another aspect, the cognitive deficit treated by these methods is or includes memory impairment, and more particularly, a defect in long-term memory. Long-term memory (LTM) generally comprises two main biological properties. First, formation of long-term memory requires synthesis of new proteins. Second, it involves cAMP-responsive transcription and is mediated through the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) family transcription factors. Compounds of the present invention can act as CREB-augmenting agents and are therefore useful in enhancing memory formation in an animal, and more particularly, transcription-dependent memory. Indeed, exemplary compounds of the present invention activate CREB in cell-based assays.

In some embodiments, the invention provides methods of treating a motor disorder, and more particularly, methods for improving a motor deficit associated with a central nervous system (CNS) disorder or condition in an animal comprising treating the animal with an augmenting agent that enhances CREB pathway function in conjunction with motor training. Methods are also provided herein for providing sustained improvement in a motor deficit associated with a central nervous system (CNS) disorder or condition in an animal in need of said treatment comprising administering to the animal a compound or composition of the present invention; and detecting said sustained improvement.

In one aspect, the method comprises: (a) providing motor training to a subject in need of treatment of a motor deficit under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a motor function whose impairment is associated with said cognitive deficit; (b) administering a compound or composition of the present invention to the animal in conjunction with said motor training; repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times; and (d) reducing the number of training sessions sufficient to produce the improvement in performance, relative to the same improvement in performance produced by motor training alone.

In another aspect, the method comprises: (a) providing motor training to a subject in need of treatment of a motor deficit under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a motor function whose impairment is associated with said cognitive deficit; (b) administering a compound or composition of the present invention to the animal in conjunction with said motor training; repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times; and (d) producing a long-lasting improvement in performance of said function relative to the improvement in performance of said function produced by motor training alone.

In other embodiments, the invention provides methods for enhancing a specific aspect of cognitive performance in an otherwise healthy animal (particularly in a human or other mammal or vertebrate) comprising (a) administering to the animal an augmenting agent of the present invention; and (b) training the animal under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance of a particular cognitive task by the animal. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of enhancing cognitive or motor performance, as well as methods for repeated stimulation of neuronal activity or a pattern of neuronal activity, such as that underlying a specific neuronal circuit(s).

Augmenting Agents

Augmenting agents, including the compounds and compositions herein, are able to enhance CREB pathway function. By enhancing CREB pathway function in conjunction with training, such augmented training can decrease the number of training sessions required to improve performance of a cognitive or motor function, relative to the improvement observed by training alone (e.g., U.S. 2007-0203154, U.S. 2011-0160248, U.S. 2010-0317648, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,222,243).

The augmenting agent can be administered before, during or after one or more of the training sessions. In a particular embodiment, the augmenting agent is administered before and during each training session. Treatment with an augmenting agent in connection with each training session is also referred to as the “augmenting treatment”.

Training Protocols

Training protocols are generally employed in rehabilitating individuals who have some form and degree of cognitive or motor dysfunction. For example, training protocols are commonly employed in stroke rehabilitation and in age-related memory loss rehabilitation. Because multiple training sessions are often required before an improvement or enhancement of a specific aspect of cognitive (or motor) performance (ability or function) is obtained in the individuals, training protocols are often very costly and time-consuming. Augmented training methods are more efficacious and therefore more cost-effective.

For example, human brain injury often results in motor and cognitive impairments. While advances in critical care medicine and patient management have led to improvements in patient outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is currently no known treatment to prevent the neuronal cell death and dysfunction that follows TBI. Although multiple treatments have proven neuroprotective in pre-clinical models of TBI, most have failed to show efficacy in humans.

Once a patient is stabilized following TBI, the standard of care dictates extensive motor or cognitive rehabilitation. During this rehabilitation the patient often regains lost skills, finally resulting in improved functional outcome. It would be beneficial if pharmaceutical treatments could be developed to enhance motor or cognitive rehabilitation following TBI, and thus improve functional outcome.

Cognitive and motor training protocols and the underlying principles are well known in the art (e.g., Allen et al., Parkinsons Dis. 2012, 1-15; Jaeggi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2011, 108, 10081-10086; Chein et al., Psychon. Bull. Rev. 2010, 17, 193-199; Klingberg, Trends Cogn. Sci. 2010, 14, 317-324; Owen et al., Nature 2010, 465, 775-778; Tsao et al., J. Pain 2010, 11, 1120-1128; Lustig et al., Neuropsychol. Rev. 2009, 19, 504-522; Park and Reuter-Lorenz, Ann. Rev. Psych. 2009, 60, 173-196; Oujamaa et al., Ann. Phys. Rehabil. Med. 2009, 52, 269-293; Frazzitta et al., Movement Disorders 2009, 8, 1139-1143; Jaeggi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2008, 105, 6829-6833; Volpe et al., Neurorehabil. Neural Repair 2008, 22, 305-310; Fischer et al., Top. Stroke Rehab. 2007, 14, 1-12; Jonsdottir et al., Neurorehabil. Neural Repair 2007, 21, 191-194; Stewart et al., J. Neurol. Sci. 2006, 244, 89-95; Krakauer, Curr. Opin. Neurol. 2006, 19, 84-90; Belleville et al., Dement. Geriatr. Cogn. Disord. 2006, 22, 486-499; Klingberg et al., J. Am. Acad. Child. Adolesc. Psychiatry 2005, 44, 177-186; Dean et al., Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2000, 81, 409-417; Whitall et al., Stroke 2000, 31, 2390-2395; Hummelsheim and Eickhof, Scand. J. Rehabil. Med. 1999, 31, 250-256; Merzenich et al., Science 1996, 271, 77-81; Merzenich et al., Cold Spring Harb. Symp. Quant. Biol. 1996, 61, 1-8; Rider and Abdulahad, Percept. Mot. Skills 1991, 73, 219-224; Wek and Husak, Percept. Mot. Skills, 1989, 68, 107-113.

Cognitive training protocols are directed to numerous cognitive dimensions, including memory, concentration and attention, perception, learning, planning, sequencing, and judgment. Motor training protocols can be directed to numerous motor domains, such as the rehabilitation of arm or leg function after a stroke or head injury. One or more protocols (or modules) underling a training program can be provided to a subject.

In some embodiments, the protocols can be used to treat, or rehabilitate, cognitive or motor impairments in afflicted subjects. Such protocols may be restorative or remedial, intended to reestablish prior skills and functions, or they may be focused on delaying or slowing cognitive or motor decline due to neurological disease. Other protocols may be compensatory, providing a means to adapt to a cognitive or motor deficit by enhancing function of related and uninvolved brain domains. In other embodiments, the protocols can be used to improve particular skills or cognitive or motor functions in otherwise healthy individuals. For example, a cognitive training program might include modules focused on delaying or preventing cognitive decline that normally accompanies aging; here the program is designed to maintain or improve cognitive health.

In general, a training protocol (or module) comprises a set of distinct exercises that can be process-specific or skill-based: Process-specific training focuses on improving a particular domain such as attention, memory, language, executive function, or motor function. Here the goal of training is to obtain a general improvement that transfers from the trained activities to untrained activities associated with the same cognitive or motor function or domain. For example, an auditory cognitive training protocol can be used to treat a student with impaired auditory attention. At the end of training, the student should show a generalized improvement in auditory attention, manifested by an increased ability to attend to and concentrate on verbal information presented in class- and therefore to remember to write down and complete homework assignments. Similarly, a cognitive training protocol may be directed to impaired executive function in an autistic subject, preventing the subject from carrying out instructions to complete an activity, such as making a meal, cleaning one's room, or preparing for school in the morning. Cognitive training allows the subject to focus his attention and concentration and as a result, complete the sequence of tasks required for such activities.

Skill-based training is aimed at improving performance of a particular activity or ability. Here the goal of training is to obtain a general improvement in the skill or ability. For example, a training protocol may focus on learning a new language, performing a musical instrument, improving memory, or learning a fine motor skill. The different exercises within such a protocol will focus on core components underlying the skill. Modules for increasing memory, for example, may include tasks directed to the recognition and use of fact, and the acquisition and comprehension of explicit knowledge rules.

Some rehabilitation programs may rely on a single strategy (such as computer-assisted cognitive training) targeting either an isolated cognitive function or multiple functions concurrently. For example, the CogState testing method comprises a customizable range of computerized cognitive tasks able to measure baseline and change in cognitive domains underlying attention, memory, executive function, as well as language and social-emotional cognition (e.g., Yoshida et al., PloS ON, 2011, 6, e20469; Frederickson et al., Neuroepidemiology 2010, 34, 65-75). Other rehabilitation programs may use an integrated or interdisciplinary approach. Cognitive and motor training programs may involve computer games, handheld game devices, interactive exercises, and may employ feedback and adaptive models.

Neurorehabilitation and Neurorecovery

In other embodiments, the invention further relates to the use of compounds and compositions of the present invention in neurorecovery and neurorehabilitation—endogenous neurobiological processes that are central to recovery of cognitive and motor impairments of the nervous system (e.g., Harkema et al., Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2012, 93, 1588-1597; Muresanu et al., J. Cell. Mol. Med. 2012, 16, 2861-2871).

Neurorehabilitation or neurorecovery generally refers to a collection process that focuses on aiding a person's recovery from a neurological disorder, or helping that individual to live a more normal, active, and independent life. For example, the quality of life of a person can be greatly affected by a brain or spinal cord injury, or a medical condition which affects the mobility, cognitive functions, or other physical or psychological processes that have been affected by changes in the nervous system. The goal of neurorehabilitation is to combat those changes and improve quality of life by various therapies.

Conditions within the scope of the invention that are treated by neurorehabilitation and neurorecovery include: Stroke; traumatic brain injury (TB); Dementia; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; Huntington's disease; Cerebral palsy; Post-polio syndrome; Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Multiple Sclerosis; and other developmental syndromes, genetic conditions, and progressive CNS diseases affecting cognitive function, such as autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Down syndrome, and other forms of mental retardation.

By focusing on all aspects of a person's well-being, neurorehabilitation or neurorecovery offers a series of therapies from the psychological to occupational, teaching or re-training patients on mobility skills, communication processes, and other aspects of that person's daily routine. Neurorehabilitation or neurorecovery also provides focuses on nutrition, psychological, and creative parts of a person's recovery.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of augmenting neurorehabilitation or neurorecovery from a cognitive impairment, comprising (a) providing cognitive training to a subject in need of treatment of a cognitive deficit under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a cognitive function whose impairment is associated with said cognitive deficit; (b) administering a compound or composition of the present invention to the animal in conjunction with said cognitive training; repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times; and (d) producing a long-lasting improvement in performance of said function relative to the improvement in performance of said function produced by cognitive training alone.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of augmenting neurorehabilitation or neurorecovery from a motor impairment, comprising: (a) providing motor training to a subject in need of treatment of a motor deficit under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance by said animal of a motor function whose impairment is associated with said cognitive deficit; (b) administering a compound or composition of the present invention to the animal in conjunction with said motor training; repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times; and (d) reducing the number of training sessions sufficient to produce the improvement in performance, relative to the same improvement in performance produced by motor training alone.

Non-Human Animal Training Protocols

Aside from applications for humans, compounds and compositions of the present invention have additional uses for non-human animals, namely in enhancing (augmenting) the efficiency of training protocols directed to numerous cognitive and motor functions.

Conditions, under which non-human animals would benefit, include enhanced (augmented) training procedures for specific purposes, (e.g. hunting dogs, guide dogs, police dogs etc, or animals used in movie industry).

Enhanced training protocols can also benefit animals that have been exposed to stressful or traumatic conditions and are in need of training to treat the resulting cognitive impairments.

Such a need may arise, for example, after such an animal has been captured or transported, subjected to new housing conditions (as in a change of domicile or owner), or has developed analogous disorders and is distressed or aggressive, or displays stereotypic behavior, obsessive-compulsive behavior, or anxiety. Animals which are subject to stress would also include animals used in racing (eg. dogs, horses, camels) or other sports, performing animals (such as circus animals and those appearing on stage, television or in the movies) and horses that perform dressage and other highly disciplined routines.

Compounds of the present invention can also enhance the efficiency of rehabilitative protocols following physical injury to a non-human animal, such as limb amputation. For example, administering an augmenting agent of the present invention in conjunction with a trainin protocol can increase the efficiency of a rehabilitative program by decreasing the number of training sessions necessary to achieve an improvement in motor function.

In particular embodiments, compounds and compositions of the present invention are used in methods of training service animals. By combining augmenting agents of the present invention with training protocols, the efficiency of training non-human animals for service in both the public and private sectors will be enhanced. Service animals are typically dogs. However, other non-human animals can also be trained to perform services, such as assisting blind or disabled people. For example, miniature horses can be trained to guide the blind, to pull wheelchairs, or to provide support for Parkinson's patients. As another example, capuchin monkeys can be trained to assist disabled perform manual tasks, such as grasping items, operating knobs and switches, turning the pages of a book.

In specific embodiments, augmented training with compounds and compositions of the present invention can be used to reduce the number of training sessions necessary to teach an animal skills that are useful in public service, such as in law enforcement. In dogs, for example, such skills include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) public order maintenance, e.g., chasing, holding, or detaining suspects; (ii) search and rescue, e.g., locating suspects, missing persons, or objects; and (iii) contraband detection, e.g., detecting illicit substances such as drugs, narcotics, explosives, weapons, and even human remains. Such methods can therefore be applied to police dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs, etc.

In other embodiments, augmented training (with compounds and compositions of the present invention) can be used to reduce the number of training sessions required to teach animals skills that are useful in the private sector, such as security and medical care. In dogs, for example, such skills can include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) private security, e.g., guarding property or protecting an individual; (ii) handicap assistance, e.g., providing eyes for the visually impaired, ears for the hearing-impaired, arms and legs for the physically-disabled; (iii) health care, e.g., detecting cancer or altering a caregiver to seizures in a subject; (iv) psychiatric assistance, e.g., calming a phobic person under stress-triggering conditions, or alerting an autistic person to distracting repetitive movements such as hand flapping; and (v) pest control, e.g., identifying source of infestations by bedbugs or termites.

In some embodiments, the training protocol can be directed to a single skill or task, such as the detection of a single drug. In other embodiments, the training protocol can be directed to a complex set of skills, such as those underlying search and rescue. For a complex set of skills, training will therefore comprise more than one task.

In another aspect, when training is carried out with a wide enough scope of tasks, a generalized “rehabilitation” effect is expected, resulting in generalized improved function of one or more cognitive domains. This results in improved performance of the animal of related tasks (involving the same cognitive domains) that are not specifically part of the training protocol.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of reducing the time necessary to teach an animal one or more skills, wherein said reducing comprising: a) administering an augmenting agent of the present invention to the animal; b) providing a training protocol to said dog under conditions to improve performance of one or more tasks, wherein said training protocol comprises multiple training sessions; and c) decreasing the number of training sessions required to improve performance of said one or more tasks relative to the number of said training sessions required to produce said improvement in performance by the training protocol alone.

The training protocol can be provided to the animal under conditions to improve performance of a single task; a complex set of tasks; or a wide scope of tasks, resulting in generalized improved function of one or more cognitive domains. The tasks can relate to a skill involved in public service, such as public order maintenance, search and rescue, and contraband detection. The tasks can also relate to a skill involved in private service, such as private security, handicap assistance, health care, psychiatric assistance, and pest control.

Peripheral Disorders

PDE4 enzymes are located in a number of peripheral tissues. For example, one or several PDE4D isoforms are expressed throughout most tissues tested, including cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, heart, liver, kidney, lung and testis (Richter et al., Biochem. J., 2005, 388, 803-811). The localization and regulation of PDE4D isoforms is thought to allow for tight and local regulation of cAMP levels, possibly limiting signal propagation in specific subcellular compartments.

Thus, in one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a peripheral disorder associated with PDE4, by administering to an animal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.

The peripheral disorder may include, but is not limited to, such PDE4-associated disorders as inflammatory bowel disease (Banner and Trevethick, 2004, Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 25, 430-436); rheumatoid arthritis (Kobayashi et al., 2007, Mediators Inflamm. 2007, 58901); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, allergic rhinitis, pulmonary artery hypertension (DeFranceschi et al., 2008, FASEB J., 22, 1849-1860); renal diseases (Conti et al., 2003, J. Biol. Chem., 278, 5493); allergic skin diseases and psoriasis (Baumer et al., 2007, Inflamm. Allergy Drug Targets, 6, 17-26).

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure will be further illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples. These Examples are understood to be exemplary only, and they are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention herein, and as defined by the appended claims.

PREPARATIVE EXAMPLES

Exemplary compounds useful in methods of the invention will now be described by reference to the illustrative synthetic schemes for their general preparation below and the specific examples to follow.

Synthetic Schemes

One skilled in the art will recognize that, to obtain the various compounds herein, starting materials may be suitably selected so that the ultimately desired substituents will be carried through the reaction scheme with or without protection as appropriate to yield the desired product. Alternatively, it may be necessary or desirable to employ, in the place of the ultimately desired substituent, a suitable group that may be carried through the reaction scheme and replaced as appropriate with the desired substituent. Unless otherwise specified, the variables are as defined above in reference to Formula (I). Reactions may be performed between −78° C. and the reflux temperature of the solvent. Reactions may be heated employing conventional heating or microwave heating. Reactions may also be conducted in sealed pressure vessels above the normal reflux temperature of the solvent.

According to Scheme A, commercially available or synthetically accessible 3-bromo-5-methylpyridin-2-ol (II) is difluoromethylated with 2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetic acid or the silyl ester of 2-fluorosulfonyldifluoroacetate, preferably 2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetic acid, in an aprotic solvent, such as ACN, a base, such as Na₂CO₃, NaH, and the like, preferably Na₂CO₃, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, preferably room temperature, to afford a compound of formula (VI) where Z is CH and R₄ is CHF₂ (Chen et al., J. Fluorine Chem., 1989, 44, 433-440).

According to Scheme A, a compound of formula (VI), where Z is CH, U is —CH₃, R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, is prepared from a commercially available or synthetically accessible compound of formula (III), where U is —CH₃. Reaction of 3-bromo-2-chloro-5-methylpyridine, with an alkoxide, such as sodium ethoxide, sodium methoxide and the like, in a suitable solvent, such as the alcohol used to generate the alkoxide, at a temperature ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, for a period of 4 to 48 h provides a bromopyridyl ether compound of formula (VI). Alternatively, a compound of formula (VI), where R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, may be prepared by reaction of 3-bromo-2-chloro-5-methylpyridine with a suitably substituted primary or secondary alcohol, in the presence of a base such as NaH, in a solvent, such as DMA, 1,4-dioxane, THF, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent.

According to Scheme A, a compound of formula (VI), where Z is CH, U is —CH₂OH, R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, is prepared in two steps from a commercially available or synthetically accessible compound of formula (III), where U is —CO₂H or —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl. For example, 5-bromo-6-chloronicotinic acid is reacted with a suitably substituted alcohol, in the presence of a base such as NaH, Cs₂CO₃, and the like, with our without a solvent, such as DMA, 1,4-dioxane, THF, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, employing conventional or microwave heating, for a period of 30 minutes to 8 h, to provide a compound of formula (VI), where R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl. In an alternate method, a compound of formula (VI), where U is —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, is prepared from a compound of formula (III), where U is —CO₂H, where the acid is activated, with a suitable activating agent, followed by reaction with a suitable alcohol. For example 5-bromo-6-chloronicotinic acid is reacted with a chlorinating agent such as oxalyl chloride, in a solvent such as DMF, to provide the acid chloride. Subsequent reaction with an alkoxide, in a suitable solvent, such as the alcohol used to generate the alkoxide, provides a compound of formula (VI), where U is —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl. In a subsequent reaction, a compound of formula (VI), where U is —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, is reduced with a reducing agent such as NaBH₄, LiBH₄, or a mixture thereof, in a solvent such as THF, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to rt, to provide a compound of formula (VI), where U is —CH₂OH.

According to Scheme A, a compound of formula (VI), where Z is CH, U is —CH₂Cl, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl is prepared from a compound of formula (VI), where Z is CH, U is —CH₂OH, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl. For example (5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol is reacted with a halogenating agent such as thionyl chloride, in a solvent such as DCM, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to rt, to provide 3-bromo-5-(chloromethyl)-2-ethoxypyridine.

A compound of formula (VI), where Z is CH, U is —CH(═O), and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalky, for example 5-bromo-6-methoxynicotinaldehyde, is prepared from 6-methoxynicotinaldehyde, employing a bromination reaction conditions known to one skilled in the art. For example, 6-methoxynicotinaldehyde is reacted with Br₂, NaOAc, in a solvent such as HOAc, at temperatures ranging from rt to 90° C., to provide 5-bromo-6-methoxynicotinaldehyde.

According to Scheme A, commercially available or synthetically accessible 5-methylpyrazin-2-amine (IV), where R¹ is H, U is CH₃, and Z is N, is brominated under conditions known to one skilled in the art, for example, by reaction with a suitable halogenating agent such as NBS, Br₂, and the like, in an appropriate solvent such as DCM, 1,4-dioxane, THF, CHCl₃, preferably DCM, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to room temperature, for a period of 8 to 16 h to afford 3-bromo-5-methylpyrazin-2-amine. Subsequent reaction of 3-bromo-5-methylpyrazin-2-amine (V) with an oxidizing agent, such as, but not limited to, tert-butyl nitrite, in the presence of an anhydrous acid source, for example, HCl in 1,4-dioxane, in an alcoholic solvent such as MeOH, EtOH, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to 60° C., for a period of 8 to 16 h affords compounds of formula (VI), where Z is N, U is —CH₃, and R₄ is —C₁-3alkyl.

According to Scheme A, commercially available or synthetically accessible 6-amino-2-methylnicotinonitrile (IV), where R¹ is —CH₃, U is —CN, and Z is CH is prepared in two steps (bromination and diazotization/alcohol addition) by the methods previously described to provide compounds of formula (VI) where R¹ is —CH₃, U is —CN, and Z is CH.

According to Scheme B, 2-(difluoromethoxy)-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxoborolan-2-yl)pyridine (IX) is obtained in 2 steps from commercially available 4-bromo-2-hydroxypyridine (VII). Alkylation of 4-bromo-2-hydroxypyridine (VII), with 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroacetate in a solvent such as ACN, THF, 1,4-dioxane, or a mixture thereof, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, for a period of 6-12 h (also described in WO2010/056195, May 20, 2010) provides 4-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (VIII). A boronate ester is prepared using methods known to one skilled in the art, for example, 2-difluoromethoxy-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-pyridine (IX) is prepared from 4-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (VIII) by reaction with KOAc, K₃PO₄, and the like, a catalyst such as Pd(dppf)Cl₂, Pd(PPh₃)₄, and the like, bis(pinacolato)diboron, and the like, in a solvent such as 1,4-dioxane, 1-2-dimethoxyethane, DMF, DMSO, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 60 to 150° C., for a period of 6-24 h.

As shown in Scheme C, a compound of formula (VI), where U is —CH₃, —CN, —CH₂OH, —CH(═O), or —NH₂, Z is CH or N; R¹ is H or —CH₃, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl; under Suzuki reaction conditions known to one skilled in the art, is reacted with commercially available or synthetically accessible aromatic or heteroaromatic boronic acids or esters, or synthetically accessible heteroaromatic boronic esters, such as compound (IX), in a solvent such as ACN, toluene, EtOH, H₂O, or a mixture thereof, in the presence of a base such as, NaHCO₃, Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃, and the like, and a palladium catalyst such as Pd(dppf)₂, Pd(PPh₃)₄, and the like, employing conventional or microwave heating, at temperatures ranging from 80 to 120° C., to provide a compound of formula (X). A compound of formula (X) where R³ is aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted with —OH, under standard alkylating conditions known to one skilled in the art, is treated with commercially available or synthetically accessible alkyl groups with appropriate leaving groups, such as halides, for example —Cl, —Br or —I, or sulfonates, such as methanesulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl and the like, in the presence of a base, such as but not limited to, NaH, K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃, and the like, in a solvent such as DMF, DMSO, 1,-4-dioxane, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 60° C. to the reflux temperature of the solvent for a period of 8 to 24 h, to provide a aryl or heteroaryl O-alkyl compound of formula (X).

Halogenation of a compound of formula (X), where U is —CH₃ or —CH₂OH, Z is CH or N; R¹ is H or —CH₃, R₃ is aryl or heteroaryl, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, under free-radical halogenation conditions. For example, a compound of formula (X), where U is —CH₃, is reacted with NBS, a radical initiator such as AIBN or benzoyl peroxide, in a solvent such as CC14, at temperatures ranging from 60° C. to the reflux temperature of the solvent, for a period of 4 to 24 h, provides a compound of formula (XI), where HAL is —Br. In an alternate method, a compound of formula (X), where U is —CH₂OH, is reacted with a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride, employing methods previously described, to provide a compound of formula (X), where HAL is —Cl.

A nitrile compound of formula (X), where U is —CN, Z is CH; R¹ is —CH₃, R₃ is aryl or heteroaryl, and R⁴ is —CH₃, is reduced to the corresponding aldehyde with a reducing agent such as DIBAL, and the like, in a solvent such as DCM, THF, toluene, and the like, at low temperature, preferably −78° C., for a period of 1 to 3 h. Subsequent reduction of the aldehyde moiety to the corresponding alcohol, is accomplished with a reducing agent, such as sodium or lithium borohydride, and the like, in a solvent such as MeOH, THF, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to room temperature. Activation of the alcohol using methanesulfonyl chloride, in a suitable solvent, such as DCM, in the presence of an alkylamine base, such as Hünig's base, TEA, and the like, provides a compound of formula (XI), where U is —CN, Z is CH; R¹ is —CH₃, R⁴ is —CH₃ and HAL is —Cl.

According to Scheme C, 5-bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-amine, where U is —NH₂, Z is CH; R¹ is H, R⁴ is —CH₃, is reacted under standard Suzuki reaction conditions as previously described, to provide compounds of formula (X), where U is —NH₂, Z is CH; R¹ is H, R³ is aryl or heteroaryl, and R⁴ is —CH₃. Alternately, a compound of formula (X), may be prepared from commercially available or synthetically accessible suitably substituted pyridine amines, such as, 5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-amine, as outlined in the procedures described above, where U is —NH₂, Z is CH; R¹ is H, R³ is aryl or heteroaryl, and R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl.

According to Scheme D, a compound of formula (XII), under Sandmeyer conditions known to one skilled in the art, are reacted with an oxidizing agent, such as, but not limited to, tert-butyl nitrite, in the presence of a halogenating agent, for example copper(II)bromide, in an appropriate solvent, such as ACN and the like, at a suitable temperature, preferably 60° C., affords a compound of formula (XIII). Lithiation of a compound of formula (XIII) with a suitable metallo-base, such as n-BuLi or the like, in a non-protic solvent, such as THF, Et₂O or the like, at a low temperature, preferably −78° C., for a period of 30-60 minutes, prior to addition of an appropriate aryl or heteroarylcarbonyl compound, followed by additional stirring at temperatures ranging from −78° C. to ambient temperature, provides a compound of Formula (I), where Y is CHOH, Z is CH, R² and R³ are monocyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic rings, and R⁴ is —CH₃.

A fluoro compound of Formula (I), where Y is —C(R^(a))₂—, and R^(a) is —H or —F; is prepared by the reaction of an alcohol of Formula (I), where Y is CH(OH), employing fluorinating conditions such, but not limited to, reaction with Deoxo-Fluor®, XtalFluor® and the like, in a solvent such as DCM and the like, at room temperature, for a period of 1 to 24 h.

A compound of Formula (I), where Y is —C(R^(a))₂—, and R^(a) is —H is prepared by treating an alcohol of Formula (I), where Y is CH(OH), with a reducing agent, such as but not limited to triethylsilane in the presence of an acid source, such as trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid and the like, in a solvent such as DCM and the like, at room temperature, for a period up to 24 h.

An amine compound of Formula (I), where Y is —CHNH₂—, —CHNH(CH₃)—, or —CHN (CH₃)₂—, is prepared in two steps by the reaction of an alcohol of Formula (I), where Y is —CH(OH), with a chlorinating agent, such as thionyl chloride, oxalyl chloride and the like, with or without a catalytic amount of DMF, in a solvent such as DCM, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to room temperature to provide the chloro intermediate which is then reacted with the appropriate amine, such as, but not limited to ammonia, methylamine and the like, with or without a catalytic amount of sodium iodide, in solvent such as ACN, at a temperature ranging from room temperature to 80° C.

As described in Scheme E, a compound of Formula (I) can be obtained from a compound of formula (IX) thru a reaction such as, but not limited to, Suzuki or Negishi coupling reactions, and substitution reactions with nitrogen heteroaryls. A compound of formula (IX) is reacted, employing standard Suzuki coupling conditions, known to those skilled in the art and previously described herein, with commercially available aromatic or heteroaromatic boronic acids, boronic esters, trifluoroborates or synthetically accessible heteroaromatic boronic esters, such as compound (IV), to give a compound of Formula (I). In an alternate method, a compound of formula (IX), where HAL is —Cl, is reacted with dipinacol diboron, a suitable base such as K₂CO₃, a palladium catalyst such as Pd(PPh₃)₄, and the like, in a solvent such as dioxane, to provide the corresponding boronate ester. Subsequent reaction of the boronate ester with a suitably halo substituted heteroaryl compound employing Suzuki reaction conditions previously described, provides a compound of Formula (I).

A compound of formula (IX) is reacted, employing standard Negishi coupling conditions, known to those skilled in the art. An example of Negishi reaction conditions are: coupling commercially available halogen containing aromatic or heteroaromatic intermediates, with a preformed zincate obtained from reacting compounds of formula (IX) with zinc, pretreated with activators such as trimethylsilyl chloride and 1,2-dibromoethane, in an appropriate solvent, such as THF, 1,4-dioxane, and the like, at a temperature ranging from room temperature to reflux temperature, preferably reflux temperature, for a period of 12 to 24 h. Combining the zincate intermediate with commercially available halogen containing aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds in the presence of a palladium catalyst, such as Pd(PPh₃)₄ and the like, in a suitable solvent, such as THF, 1,4-dioxane, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 50° C. to the reflux temperature of the solvent, for a period of 12 to 48 h, affords a compound of Formula (I), where R² is a six membered heteroaryl ring containing one to two nitrogen members.

A compound of formula (IX) when combined with the appropriate heterocycle (HET) with an acidic proton, such as but not limited to, 1H-1,2,4-triazole or imidazole, in an aprotic solvent, for example DMF, acetone, ACN, and the like, with a suitable base, such as Cs₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 60° C., for period of 2 to 24 h, provides a compound of Formula (I), where R² is a five membered heteroaryl ring containing two to three nitrogen members.

A compound of Formula (I), where Y is —CH₂, and R² is an optionally substituted 1,2,3-triazole is obtained using “Click Chemistry” (for example, copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition) under conditions known to one skilled in the art, for example, by treating a compound of formula (IX) with sodium azide in a suitable solvent, such as DMF, acetone, DMSO, and the like, and base such as K₂CO₃, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 100° C., affords the azido intermediate which is then combined with a commercially available or synthetically accessible alkyne, such as but not limited to ethynyltrimethylsilane, and the like, in a solvent such as DMSO, 1,4-dioxane, THF, ACN, t-butanol, and water or a mixture thereof, in the presence of a catalyst, for example copper(II)iodide, copper(II)bromide, copper(I)sulfate, and the like, and base, such as DIPEA, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 100° C., for a period of 2 to 12 h, provide a compound of Formula (I), where R² is an optionally substituted 1,2,3-triazole.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with an amide (—CONH₂), is prepared from the corresponding nitriles (—CN) or esters (—CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl) using methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, an amide of Formula (I) is obtained by reaction of a nitrile compound of Formula (I) with a base, such as NaOH or KOH, preferably NaOH, and a peroxide, such as H₂O₂, in a solvent such as MeOH, and the like, at a temperatures ranging from 0 to 50° C., for a period of 8 to 24 h. Optionally, a carboxylic acid compound of Formula (I) are obtained when nitrile compound of Formula (I) are treated as described above at a temperature of 50° C., for a period of 2 to 4 h. An ester compound of Formula (I) is converted to an amide of Formula (I) by treating with an appropriate amine, such as ammonia, methylamine or the like, in a solvent, such as MeOH, 1,4-dioxane, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with a primary (—(CH₂)₁₋₂OH) or tertiary (—C(CH₃)₂OH) alcohol is prepared from a corresponding aldehyde or ester compound of Formula (I), using methods known to those skilled in the art. Reduction of an aldehyde compound of Formula (I) with a reducing agent, such as NaBH₄ or NaBH₃CN, and the like, in a solvent such as MeOH, THF, DMF and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to room temperature, for a period of 0.2 to 2 h, affords a primary alcohol compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CH₂OH. A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with an ester moiety, is reduced, with a reducing agent, such as NaBH₄, LiBH₄, LAH, DIBAL and the like, with our without KF, in a solvent such as MeOH, THF, Et₂O and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to room temperature, for a period of 2 to 24 h, to afford a primary alcohol compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CH₂OH.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CH₂OH or —CHO, is fluorinated, employing fluorinating conditions such as, but not limited to, reaction with Deoxo-Fluor®, XtalFluor® and the like, in a solvent such as DCM and the like, room temperature, for a period of 2 to 24 h, to provide a fluoroalkyl compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CH₂F or —CHF₂.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with an ester moiety, is reacted under Grignard conditions known to one skilled in the art, with a Grignard reagent such as, but not limited to, methylmagnesium bromide, in a solvent such as THF, Et₂O, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to room temperature, for a period of 0.3 to 2 h, to provide a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with a tertiary alcohol (—C(CH₃)₂OH).

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CN, is reduced with a reducing agent, such as DIBAL and the like, in a solvent such as Et₂O, THF, and the like, at low temperatures, preferably −78° C., for a period of 1 to 4 h, to provide a primary amine compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with primary amine (—CH₂NH₂).

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CN, is reacted with acetyl chloride, in an alcoholic solvent such as MeOH, EtOH, and the like, a at low temperature, preferably 0° C., for a period of 30 min. to 2 h, provides a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CH₂CN, is reacted under alkylating conditions, known to one skilled in the art, to provide a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —C(CH₃)₂CN. For example, reaction with an alkylating agent such as MeI, a base such as NaOH, a solvent such as DMSO, water, or a mixture thereof, at low temperatures such as 0° C., for a period of 30 min. to 2 h.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with an ester moiety, is reacted under standard hydrolysis conditions known to one skilled in the art, with a base such as, but not limited to, KOH, LiOH, NaOH and the like, in a solvent such as THF, 1,4-dioxane, MeOH, H₂O or a mixture thereof, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, for a period of 1 to 4 h, to provide a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with carboxylic acid (—CO₂H).

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with an amide (—CONH₂) is prepared in two steps from a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with carboxylic acid (—CO₂H). Halogenation to the acid chloride employing known methods, followed by reaction with an ammonia source such as ammonia in dioxane, provides a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with an amide (—CONH₂).

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is an optionally substituted pyrimidine or pyrazine substituted with —Cl or —Br is reacted with alkyl or heteroalkyl oxygen or nitrogen nucleophiles, such as N1,N1-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine, 2-aminoethanol, morpholine, and the like, in a solvent such as ACN, THF, EtOH, DMF, toluene, and the like, a base such as DIPEA, TEA, NaH, K₂CO₃, and the like, at temperature ranging from 50 to 180° C., employing conventional or microwave heating conditions, for a period of 1 to 4 h, to provide a compound of Formula (I), where R² is an optionally substituted pyrimidine or pyrazine.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —NO₂, is reduced with a reducing agent, such as, but not limited to zinc or iron, in a solvent such as acetic acid, water, or a mixture thereof, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 50° C., for a period of 1 to 4 h, to provide a primary amine compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with primary amine (—NH₂).

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with primary amine (—NH₂) is reacted with tert-butyl nitrite, in a solvent such as DMF, water, or a mixture thereof, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to 60° C., for a period of 8 to 16 h, affords a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —OH.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with (—NHR^(b)) or (—N(R^(b))₂) is prepared from the corresponding amine compounds of Formula (I), employing methods known to one skilled in the art, such as but not limited to a reductive amination reaction. For example, a compound of Formula (I) where R² is substituted with (—NH₂), is reacted with an appropriate carbonyl intermediate, such as but not limited to, formaldehyde and the like, in a solvent such as THF, DCM, MeOH and the like, with a reducing agent, such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₃CN and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0 to 50° C., for a period of 1 to 4 h, to provide an alkyl amine compound of Formula (I), where R^(b) is —CH₃.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with (—NHCOCH₃) is prepared from the corresponding amine compound of Formula (I), employing methods known to one skilled in the art, such as but not limited to, treatment with an acyl chloride or anhydride. For example, a compound of Formula (I) where R² is substituted with (—NH₂), is treated with an appropriately activated acylating agent, such as but not limited to, acetyl chloride, acetic anhydride and the like, in a solvent such as, DCM, DMF and the like, with a base, such as TEA, DIPEA, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to room temperature, for a period of up to 24 h, provides an acyl substituted amine compound of Formula (I), where R² is (—NHCOCH₃).

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with (—NHCONH₂) is prepared from a corresponding amine compound of Formula (I), employing methods known to one skilled in the art, such as but not limited to, treatment with potassium cyanate and the like, in a solvent such as, acetic acid and water or a mixture thereof, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 60° C., for 0.2 to 4 h, to provide a urea subsituted compound of Formula (I), where R² is (—NHCONH₂). Optionally, a compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with (—NHCONH-oxetane) is prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid compounds of Formula (I), using the Curtuis rearrangement employing methods known to one skilled in the art. For example, a compound of Formula (I) where R² is substituted with (—CO₂H), are treated with, but not limited to, diphenylphosphoryl azide and the like, in the presence of a base, such as TEA, DIPEA, and the like, in an appropriate solvent such as, toluene, 1,-4-dioxane, and the like, at the reflux temperature of the solvent, for a period of up to 1 h. The intermediate acyl azide is then reacted with an appropriate amine, in the presence of a base, such as TEA, DIPEA, and the like, to afford a compound of Formula (I) where R² is substituted with (—NHCONH-oxetane).

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —NO₂, is reacted with a commercially available or synthetically accessible metallo-alkoxide, for example, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide and the like, in a solvent such as, but not limited to, MeOH, EtOH, 1,4-dioxane and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, for a period of 24 h, to provide a compound of Formula (I) where R² is substituted with (—OC₁₋₃alkyl).

A compound of Formula (I), wherein R² is 1,2,3-triazole optionally substituted with —H, is synthesized from the corresponding 4-(trimethylsilyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) compounds of Formula (I), by reacting with a desilylating agent, such as but not limited to, tetrabutylammonium fluoride, in a solvent such as THF, DMF, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 50° C., for a period of 8 to 24 h.

A compound of Formula (I), where R² is substituted with —CHO, is prepared from the corresponding alcohols or esters, previously described using methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, treating an alcohol of Formula (I) with an oxidizing agent, such as but not limited to Dess-Martin® reagent, in an appropriate solvent, such as DCM or THF and the like, at room temperature for 3 to 8 h give the desired aldehyde. The desired aldehyde of Formula (I) is also obtained by treating the corresponding ester of Formula (I) with a reducing agent, such as DIBAL, in an appropriate solvent, such as THF, Et₂O and the like, at low temperature, preferably −78° C., for 1 to 4 h.

Removal of the tert-butylcarbamate (BOC) or paramethoxybenzyl (PMB) in a compound of Formula (I) where R² is optionally substituted with (—NH—BOC), (-HET-N—BOC), (—NH-PMB) is accomplished by using methods known to one skilled in the art, such as, HCl, TFA, or p-toluenesulfonic acid, in a solvent such as CH₃OH, dioxane, or CH₂Cl₂. In a preferred embodiment, a compound of formula is treated with TFA in DCM or HCl to afford a compound of Formula (I) where R² is optionally substituted with (—NH₂) or (-HET-NH₂).

According to Scheme F, a compound of formula (VI) where U is —CH₃; R¹ is H, R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, is halogenated according to methods previously described to provide the corresponding alkylbromide compound. Subsequent reaction with HET, where HET is an optionally substituted five membered heteroaryl ring selected from, but not limited to, 1H-1,2,4-triazole or imidazole, according to methods previously described, provides a compound of formula (XII) where HET is an optionally substituted five membered heteroaryl ring.

According to Scheme F, a compound of formula (XII) where HET is an optionally substituted five membered heteroaryl ring is prepared from a compound of formula (VI) where U is —CH₂Cl, R¹ is H, R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl or —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, employing methods previously described. For example, reaction of (5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol with an optionally substituted five membered heteroaryl ring, a base such as K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃, and the like, with or without NaI, in a solvent such as DCM, CHCl₃, ACN, and the like, at temperatures ranging from rt to the reflux temperature of the solvent, provides a compound of formula (XII).

A compound of formula (XII), where HET is five membered heteroaryl ring optionally substituted with a —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl or C(═O)H moiety, is reduced, employing methods known to one skilled in the art or previously described, to provide a compound of formula (XII), where the HET is substituted with —CH₂OH. For example, methyl 1-((5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate is reacted with a reducing agent such as LiBH₄, NaBH₄, and the like, in a solvent such as THF, MeOH, and the like, at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to rt, for a period of 1 to 5 h, to provide a compound of formula (XII) where HET is substituted with —CH₂OH.

A compound of formula (XII), where HET is five membered heteroaryl ring optionally substituted with a —NO₂ moiety, is reduced, employing methods known to one skilled in the art or previously described, to provide a compound of formula (XII), where the HET is substituted with —NH₂.

A compound of formula (XII) is reacted, employing standard Suzuki coupling conditions, known to those skilled in the art and previously described herein, with commercially available aromatic or heteroaromatic boronic acids or esters, or synthetically accessible heteroaromatic boronic esters, such as compound (IV), to give a compound of Formula (I).

Optionally, a compound of Formula (I), where R³ is substituted with pyrazole is prepared from the corresponding compounds of formula (XII), employing methods known to one skilled in the art, such as but not limited to, Buchwald coupling conditions. For example, a compound of formula (XII) is reacted with the appropriate heterocycle (HET) with an acidic proton, such as but not limited to, pyrazole, in a solvent, such as toluene, 1,4-dioxane, and the like, with a suitable base, such as sodium tert-butoxide, sodium methoxide, a palladium catalyst such as but not limited to, Pd₂(dba)₃, Pd(OAc)₂ and the like, and a phosphine ligand, such as (2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl, tri(tert-butyl)phosphine and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, for period of 4 to 48 h, to provide a compound of Formula (I), where insert R³ is an optionally substituted pyrazole.

Compounds of Formula (I) may be converted to their corresponding salts using methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, compounds of Formula (I) may be treated with TFA, HCl, maleic acid, or citric acid in a solvent such as Et₂O, DCM, THF, or MeOH to provide the corresponding salt forms.

Compounds prepared according to the schemes described above may be obtained as single enantiomers, diastereomers, or regioisomers, by enantio-, diastereo-, or regiospecific synthesis, or by resolution. Where compounds according to this invention have at least one chiral center, they may accordingly exist as enantiomers. Where compounds possess two or more chiral centers, they may additionally exist as diastereomers. It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Compounds prepared according to the schemes above may alternately be obtained as racemic (1:1) or non-racemic (not 1:1) mixtures of mixtures as diastereomers or regioisomers. Where racemic and non-racemic mixtures of enantiomers are obtained, single enantiomers may be isolated using conventional separation methods known to one skilled in the art, such as chiral chromatography, recrystallization, diastereomeric salt formation, derivatization into diastereomeric adducts, biotransformation, or enzymatic transformation. Where regioisomeric or diastereomeric mixtures are obtained, single isomers may be separated using conventional methods such as chromatography or crystallization.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the invention and various preferred embodiments.

EXAMPLES

Chemistry:

In obtaining the compounds described in the examples below, and the corresponding analytical data, the following experimental and analytical protocols were followed unless otherwise indicated.

Unless otherwise stated, reaction mixtures were magnetically stirred at room temperature (rt) under nitrogen atmosphere. Where solutions were “dried”, they were generally dried over a drying agent such as Na₂SO₄ or MgSO₄. Where mixtures, solutions, and extracts were “concentrated”, they were typically concentrated on a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure.

Reactions under microwave irradiation conditions were carried out in a CEM Discover-SP with Activent microwave reaction apparatus, model number 909150, or Biotage Initiator, model number 355302.

Normal-phase flash column chromatography (FCC) was performed on silica gel (SiO₂) using packed or prepackaged cartridges, eluting with the indicated solvents.

LC/MS were obtained on a Waters 2695 Separations Unit, 2487 Dual Absorbance Detector, Micromass ZQ fitted with ESI Probe, or a Waters Acquity™ Ultra performance LC (UPLC) with PDA eX and SQ detectors.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were obtained in a Varian 400 MHz or Bruker 400 MHz NMR. Samples were analyzed in either deuterated chloroform (CDCl₃), methanol-d₄ (CD₃OD), or dimethyl sulfoxide-d₆ (DMSO-d₆). For CDCl₃ samples, tetramethylsilane (TMS) was used as an internal standard with the TMS resonance set to a chemical shift of 0.00 ppm for ¹H NMR spectra. For CD₃OD the residual central resonance peak at 3.31 for ¹H was used for chemical shift assignment and for DMSO-d₆ the residual central resonance peak at 2.50 ppm for ¹H was used for chemical shift assignment. The format of the ¹H NMR data below is: chemical shift in ppm downfield the tetramethylsilane reference (multiplicity, coupling constant J in Hz, integration).

Chemical names were generated using ChemDraw Ultra 12.0 (CambridgeSoft Corp., Cambridge, Mass.) or ChemAxon.

Intermediate 1. 5-(Bromomethyl)-3-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxypyrazine

Step 1. 3-Bromo-5-methylpyrazin-2-amine. To a cooled, 0° C., solution of 5-methylpyrazin-2-amine (5.00 g, 0.05 mol) in DCM (230 mL) was added 1-bromopyrrolidine-2,5-dione (8.97 g, 0.05 mol) all at once. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 12 h. The reaction was quenched with 1 N sodium thiosulfate (50 mL), the layers were separated and the organic phase was extracted with water (2×50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid (8.61 g, 65%). [M+H]=188.9/190.11

Step 2. 3-Bromo-2-ethoxy-5-methylpyrazine. To a solution of 3-bromo-5-methylpyrazin-2-amine (4.00 g, 21.27 mmol) in EtOH (42 mL), at 0° C., was added tert-butyl nitrite (7.65 mL, 63.82 mmol) followed by 4 N HCl in 1,4-dioxane (1.91 mL, 7.66 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 8 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with aq. NaHCO₃ and extracted into DCM. The combined organic layers were dried, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-20%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as a white solid (2.5 g, 54%). [M+H]=217.06/219.05.

Step 3. 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-methylpyrazine. A solution of 3-bromo-2-ethoxy-5-methylpyrazine (1.80 g, 8.29 mmol), 3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)boronic acid (2.03 g, 10.78 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (958.25 mg, 0.83 mmol), Na₂CO₃ (21.63 mL, 1.15 mol/L, 24.88 mmol), in EtOH (22 mL) and toluene (118 mL), under nitrogen, was heated at 88° C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as a colorless oil (2.09 g, 90%). [M+H]=281.19.

Step 4. 5-(Bromomethyl)-3-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxypyrazine. To a solution of 3-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-methylpyrazine (2.00 g, 0.01 mol), 1-bromopyrrolidine-2,5-dione (1.27 g, 0.01 mol) in carbon tetrachloride (24 mL), was added benzoylperoxide (0.26 g, 1.07 mmol). The mixture was heated at 88° C. for 8 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-5%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound contaminated with ˜10% starting material (1.5 g, 59%). [M+H]=459.13/361.13.

Intermediates 2-3 were prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 1, Steps 3-4, with the appropriated starting material substitutions.

Intermediate 2. 5-(Bromomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine

M+H]=312.05/314.04

Intermediate 3. 5-(Bromomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyrazine

[M+H]=313.17/315.19

Intermediate 4. 3-Bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-methylpyridine

3-Bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-methylpyridine. To a solution of 3-bromo-5-methylpyridin-2-ol (25.0 g, 0.13 mol) in ACN (100 mL) was added 2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetic acid (23.7 g, 0.13 mol) and Na₂CO₃ (28.2 g, 0.270 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added to the reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture was extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-10%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as an off-white solid (22 g, 70%). [M+H]=238.09/240.09.

Intermediate 5. 5-((1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine

Step 1. 3-Bromo-5-(bromomethyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine. To a solution of 3-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-methylpyridine (0.50 g, 2.1 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (13 mL), was added 1-bromopyrrolidine-2,5-dione (0.521 g, 2.93 mmol), and azobisisobutyronitrile (44 mg, 0.26 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 8 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10-90%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (400 mg, 60%). [M+H]=317.88.

Step 2. 5-((1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine. To a solution of 3-bromo-5-(bromomethyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (Intermediate 4, 0.50 g, 1.57 mmol), in acetone (12 mL), was added 1H-1,2,4-triazole (202 mg, 2.9 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (650 mg, 4.7 mmol). The reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 2 h, then filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 30-70%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (431 mg, 90%). [M+H]=304.91/306.91.

Intermediate 6. 3-Bromo-2-ethoxy-5-methylpyridine

To a solution of 3-bromo-2-chloro-5-methylpyridine (4.00 g, 19.37 mmol) in ethanol (100 mL) was added sodium ethoxide (6.59 g, 96.9 mmol) in three portions. The mixture was stirred under nitrogen at 100° C. for 2 days. The reaction was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 20%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (3.00 g, 72%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.94 (dd, J=0.8, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.89-7.82 (m, 1H), 4.31 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.18 (t, J=0.8 Hz, 3H), 1.30 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate 7. 5-Bromo-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine

Step 1. 5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-amine. A 10 mL microwave vial was charged with 5-bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-amine (2.00 g, 10 mmol) (3-chlorophenyl)boronic acid (1.87 g, 12 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.DCM (365 mg, 0.45 mmol), ACN (6 mL) and sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (3 mL). The vial was sealed, purged with nitrogen and heated at 110° C. for 15 min. The layers were separated and the aq. phase extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (1.95 g, 84%) which was taken on directly to the next step.

Step 2. 5-Bromo-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine. A solution of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-amine (1.95 g, 8.39 mmol), copper (II) bromide (3.72 g, 16.7 mmol), tert-butyl nitrite (1.7 g, 16.7 mmol) in ACN (50 mL), under nitrogen, was heated at 60° C. for 12 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-10%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as an orange solid (1.53 g, 61%). [M+H]=298.20/300.21.

Intermediate 8. 3-(Chloromethyl)-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylpyridine

Step 1. 6-Amino-5-bromo-2-methylnicotinonitrile. A solution of 6-amino-2-methylnicotinonitrile (5 g, 37.6 mmol), NBS (7.36 g, 41.3 mmol) and DCM (100 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 1:1 EtOAc/DCM) afforded the title compound as tan solid (4.5 g, 56%). [M+H]=211.95/213.96.

Step 2. 5-Bromo-6-methoxy-2-methylnicotinonitrile. A solution of 6-amino-5-bromo-2-methylnicotinonitrile (4.5 g, 21.2 mmol), HCl (2 mL 4 N HCl in 1,4-dioxane), tert-butyl nitrite (6.56 g, 63.7 mmol) and methanol (50 mL) was heated at 60° C. for 12 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-25%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (2.5 g, 51%). [M+H]=226.96/228.96.

Step 3. 5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylnicotinonitrile. A 20 mL microwave vial was charged with 5-bromo-6-methoxy-2-methylnicotinonitrile (1.2 g, 5.28 mmol), (3-chlorophenyl)boronic acid (990 mg, 6.3 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.DCM (191 mg, 0.26 mmol), ACN (10 mL) and sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (3 mL). The vial was sealed, purged with nitrogen and heated at 100° C. under microwave irradiation for 10 min. The layers were separated and the aq. phase extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as an off white solid (995 mg, 74%). [M+H]=259.06.

Step 4. 5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylnicotinaldehyde. To a cooled solution, −78° C., of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylnicotinonitrile (500 mg, 1.9 mmol) in DCM (15 mL), under nitrogen, was added DIBAL (1 M in hexanes, 4.8 mL, 4.8 mmol) drop-wise, over 3 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 h. The reaction was carefully quenched by addition of saturated sodium fluoride (1 mL). After stirring for 30 minutes the suspension was filtered and the filtrate concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (358 mg, 72%). [M+H]=262.05.

Step 5. (5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylpyridin-3-yl)methanol. To a solution of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylnicotinaldehyde (350 mg, 1.34 mmol) in methanol (3 mL) was added NaBH₄ (52 mg, 1.3 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes then concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (322 mg, 91%). [M+H]=264.06.

Step 6. 3-(Chloromethyl)-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylpyridine. Into a scintillation vial containing (5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylpyridin-3-yl)methanol (340 mg, 1.29 mmol) in DCM (5 mL), was added diisopropylethylamine (199 mg, 1.54 mmol), and methanesulfonyl chloride (147 mg, 1.29 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was extracted with water (3×). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-30%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (87 mg, 24%). [M+H]=282.03

Intermediate 9. 2-Difluoromethoxy-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-pyridine

Step 1. 4-Bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine. To a stirring solution of 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroacetate (6.00 g, 39.4 mmol) in ACN (200 mL) was added 4-bromopyridin-2(1H)-one (4.90 g, 28.1 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 8 h. The resulting mixture was filtered and the filtrate was extracted with hexanes (6×20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated at room temperature to give the title compound as a liquid (2.60 g, 42% yield). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.19-8.20 (s, 1H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.54-7.88 (m, 1H).

Step 2. 2-Difluoromethoxy-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-pyridine. To a solution of 4-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (7.20 g, 32.1 mmol), in 1,4-dioxane (230 mL), was added bis(pinacolato)diboron (8.80 g, 34.6 mmol), and potassium acetate (7.10 g, 71.9 mmol). The flask was fitted with a reflux condenser and vacuum/nitrogen inlet, and it was degassed/backfilled with nitrogen (3×). The catalyst, Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (2.35 g, 3.2 mmol) was added, and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 8 h. The resulting mixture was filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 1:1 petroleum ether/hexanes) afforded the title compound (6.10 g, 70%) as a liquid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.31-8.32 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.44 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.156 (s, 1H), 1.32 (s, 12H).

Intermediate 10. 5-(Bromomethyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-(oxetan-3-yloxy)phenyl)pyridine

Step 1. 3-(2-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-methylpyridin-3-yl)phenol. A 20 mL microwave vial was charged with 3-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-methylpyridine (Intermediate 4, 1.90 g, 7.98 mmol), 3-hydroxyphenylboronic acid (1.32 g, 9.58 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (330 mg, 0.40 mmol), Na₂CO₃ (2.12 g, 19.96 mmol), water (4.0 mL), and ACN (12 mL). The vial was sealed, purged with nitrogen, and heated under microwave irradiation at 100° C. for 15 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-40% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (1.81 g, 91%) as a colorless waxy solid. [M+H]=252.12.

Step 2. 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-methyl-3-(3-(oxetan-3-yloxy)phenyl)pyridine. To a solution of 3-(2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-methylpyridin-3-yl)phenol (502.5 mg, 2.0 mmol), in DMF, was added oxetan-3-yl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (685 mg, 3.0 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (553 mg, 4.00 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 8 h. LC-MS suggested about 50% conversion. The temperature was raised to 90° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred an additional 4 h. Sat. aq. NaCl was added, and the mixture was extracted with DCM (3×). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10-30% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (310 mg, 50%) as a colorless solid. [M+H]=308.11

Step 3. 5-(Bromomethyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-(oxetan-3-yloxy)phenyl)pyridine. To a solution of 2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-methyl-3-(3-(oxetan-3-yloxy)phenyl)pyridine (310 mg, 1.0 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (10 mL), was added 1-bromopyrrolidine-2,5-dione (180 mg, 1.0 mmol), and benzoylperoxide (37 mg, 0.15 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 8 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10-30%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (140 mg, 36%). [M+H]=387.21

Intermediate 11. 5-(Bromomethyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-isopropoxyphenyl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 10, using 2-bromopropane for step 2, followed by bromination according to step 3. [M+H]=373.24.

Intermediate 12. 5-(Bromomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 10, using Intermediate 4 and 3-chlorophenyl boronic acid in Step 1, followed by bromination according to Step 3. [M+H]=348.17/350.15

Intermediate 13. 5-((1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-bromo-2-methoxypyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 5, with the appropriate starting material substitutions. [M+H]=269.21/271.23

Intermediate 14. Ethyl 5-bromo-6-ethoxynicotinate

Step 1. 5-Bromo-6-chloronicotinoyl chloride. To a solution of 5-bromo-6-chloronicotinic acid (10.00 g, 42.29 mmol) in DCM (211.46 mL) was added oxalyl dichloride (42.29 mL, 84.58 mmol) and a few drops of DMF. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the crude title compound (9.0 g, 83%). The crude material was used without further purification. [M+H]=253.2/255.2/257.2.

Step 2. Ethyl 5-bromo-6-ethoxynicotinate. To a slurry of 5-bromo-6-chloronicotinoyl chloride (5.00 g, 19.62 mmol) in EtOH (100 mL) was added sodium ethoxide (22.0 mL, 21.00% w/w, 58.85 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred in room temperature for 75 minutes. The product crystallized out after the addition of 2 volumes of water in an ice bath. The solid was filtered, washed with hexanes and water to obtain the title compound (4.5 g, 84%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.66 (br s, 1H), 8.34 (br s, 1H), 4.48-4.37 (m, 2H), 4.37-4.16 (m, 2H), 1.32 (td, J=6.9, 18.7 Hz, 6H); [M+H]=274.3/276.3.

Intermediate 15. Methyl 5-bromo-6-methoxynicotinate

To a slurry of methyl 5-bromo-6-chloronicotinate (10.00 g, 39.92 mmol) in MeOH (80.00 mL) was added sodium methoxide (2.59 g, 47.91 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred in rt for 2 h. The product crystallized out. The slurry was cooled to 0° C. and water (80 mL) was added and stirred for 30 min., then filtered. The solid cake was washed with water and dried to afford the title compound (9.05 g, 92%). [M+H]=246.2.

Intermediate 16. (5-Bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol

A solution of ethyl 5-bromo-6-ethoxynicotinate (Intermediate 14, 1.06 g, 3.85 mmol) in 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane (10.50 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and DIBAL (9 mL, 9.00 mmol) was slowly added while keeping the temperature under 25° C. After the addition was complete, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes. The reaction was cooled to 0° C., then quenched with aq NaOH (5.78 mL, 11.56 mmol) and stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture was diluted with MTBE and water, then extracted into MTBE. The combined organic extracts were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (0.87 g, 97%) as a white solid. The crude material was used without further purification. [M+H]=232.3/234.3.

Intermediate 17. 3-Bromo-5-(chloromethyl)-2-ethoxypyridine

A solution of (5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol (13.44 g, 57.91 mmol) in DCM (250 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and thionyl chloride (6.74 mL, 92.63 mmol) was slowly added. After the addition was complete, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (250 mL), and the pH was adjusted to basic pH with a sat. aq. solution of NaHCO₃. The crude product was extracted into DCM (3×250 mL) and the combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 mL). The organics were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (13.6 g, 94%). The crude material was used without further purification. [M+H]=250.2/252.2.

Intermediate 18. Methyl 1-((5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate

A solution of 3-bromo-5-(chloromethyl)-2-ethoxypyridine (13.60 g, 54.29 mmol), CHCl₃ (250 mL), 18-Crown-6 (12.20 g, 46.14 mmol), K₂CO₃ (15.01 g, 108.57 mmol) and methyl 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (10.70 g, 84.18 mmol) was stirred at 35° C. for 17 h. Celite® was added to the reaction and the mixture concentrated in vacuo to give the crude material fused to Celite®.

Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (11.76 g, 64%). [M+H]=341.3/343.3.

Intermediate 19. (1-((5-Bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

(1-((5-Bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol. A solution of methyl 1-((5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (11.76 g, 34.47 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was cooled to 0° C., LiBH₄ (787.00 mg, 36.13 mmol) added and the mixture was warmed to 25° C. over 3 h. Water (10 mL), 1N NaOH (10 mL) and Celite® were added to the reaction and the mixture concentrated in vacuo to give the crude material fused to Celite®. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-15% MeOH/DCM) afforded the title compound (9.36 g, 87%) as a white solid. [M+H]=313.3/315.3.

Intermediate 20. (5-Bromo-6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol

Step 1. 5-Bromo-6-propoxynicotinic acid. A mixture of 5-bromo-6-chloronicotinic acid (2.00 g, 8.46 mmol), propan-1-ol (10 mL, 133.69 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (5.51 g, 16.92 mmol) were irradiated in a microwave at 120° C. for 1 h. The mixture was additionally irradiated a further 8 h at 120° C. The mixture was diluted with DCM (100 mL) and water (100 mL). The aqueous layer was made acidic with 1 N aq. HCl, and extracted into DCM (3×100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with sat. aq. NaCl (100 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (2.04 g, 93%) as a cream solid. The crude material was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.30 (s, 1H), 8.59-8.76 (m, 1H), 8.35 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 4.28-4.45 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.86 (m, 2H), 0.99 (t, J=7.43 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=260.3/262.3.

Step 2. (5-Bromo-6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol. A mixture of 5-bromo-6-propoxynicotinic acid (1.61 g, 6.19 mmol), THF (15.06 mL) and TEA (1.73 mL, 12.38 mmol) was cooled to 0° C., methyl chloroformate (0.72 mL, 9.29 mmol) added and the mixture stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. The mixture was filtered, (the solid) rinsed with more THF (20 mL), cooled to 0° C., NaBH₄ (0.47 g, 12.38 mmol) added and the mixture stirred at 0° C. for 90 min. LiBH₄ (0.18 g, 8.05 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 17 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (100 mL) and water (100 mL), the layers separated and the aqueous layer extracted into DCM (3×80 mL). The extracts were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, Celite® added and the solvent removed to give the crude alcohol fused to Celite®. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 5-40% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (966 mg, 63%). [M+H]=246.3/248.3.

Intermediate 21. (5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol

Nitrogen gas was bubbled through a solution of (5-bromo-6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol (Intermeidate 20, 483 mg, 1.96 mmol), (3,4-difluorophenyl)boronic acid (464.8 mg, 2.94 mmol), K₂CO₃ (813.7 mg, 5.89 mmol) in water (2.9 mL), Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (215.4 mg, 0.29 mmol) added and the mixture irradiated with stirring in a microwave at 120° C. for 20 minutes. Celite® was added to the reaction and the mixture concentrated in vacuo to give the crude material fused to Celite®. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 5-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (547 mg, 100%). [M+H]=280.4.

Intermediate 22. 5-(Chloromethyl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-propoxypyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 17, substituting (5-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol (Intermediate 21) for (5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol. [M+H]=298.4.

Intermediate 23. (5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol

To a solution of methyl 5-bromo-6-methoxynicotinate (8.00 g, 32.51 mmol) in THF (162.56 mL) was added LiBH₄ (1.06 g, 48.77 mmol). MeOH (40.64 mL) was slowly added to the reaction, with vigorous stirring. The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 h. 2N NaOH was added to the reaction mixture the mixture was stirred at room temp for 1 h. The crude mixture was added to EtoAc and H₂O, the organic layer was separated, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂) afforded the title compound (6.00 g, 84%). [M+H]=218.2.

Intermediate 24. (5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol

A solution of (5-bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol (Intermediate 23, 2.45 g, 11.24 mmol), (4-fluorophenyl)boronic acid (1.97 g, 14.05 mmol), Na₂CO₃ (29.31 mL, 1.15 mol/L, 33.71 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (822.15 mg, 1.12 mmol) in ACN (74.91 mL) was heated under microwave conditions at 120° C. for 20 min. The aq. layer was removed and the organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄). The Na₂SO₄ was washed with EtOAc (3×15 mL). Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10% MeOH/90% EtOAc) afforded the title compound (2.0 g, 76%). [M+H]=234.50.

Intermediate 25. 3-Bromo-5-(chloromethyl)-2-methoxypyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 17 using Intermediate 23. [M+H]=235.9/237.9.

Intermediate 26. 3-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-5-(chloromethyl)-2-methoxypyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 17. [M+H]=286.25.

Intermediate 27. 5-(Chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine

To a mixture of 6-methoxy nicotinaldehyde (24 g, 0.175 mol) and NaOAc (28.7 g, 0.35 mol) in HOAc (180 mL) was added Br₂ (42 g, 0.263 mol) over 20 min. The mixture was stirred and heated to 90° C. for 5 h. The mixture was cooled to rt and poured to iced water. The resultant mixture was neutralized to pH 9 with saturated aq. NaOH (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), filtered, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide the title compound (7 g, 22%). The title compound was used crude in the next step without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.93 (s, 1H), 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 4.12 (s, 3H).

Intermediate 28. 5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxynicotinaldehyde

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 1, Step 3, employing 5-bromo-6-methoxynicotinaldehyde and 3-chlorophenylboronic acid in THF/water, at 75° C. under N₂ overnight. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 10.03 (s, 1H), 8.65 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.57, (d, J=0.88 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.41 (m, 2H), 4.09 (s, 3H).

Intermediate 29. (5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol

To a solution of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxynicotinaldehyde (18 g, 0.072 mol) in EtOH (150 mL) was added NaBH₄ (5.5 g, 0.144 mol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under N₂ for 2 h. To the mixture was added HCl (1 M, 5 mL) dropwise, followed by water (100 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The organic layers were combined, washed with brine (100 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (16.2 g, 90%) as a yellow solid, which was used for next step without further purified.

Intermediate 30. 5-(Chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 17, employing (5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.17 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.55-7.66 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H) 7.35-7.44 (m, 3H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H).

Intermediate 31. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaboro lan-2-yl)methyl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 9, employing 5-(chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine, substituting K₂CO₃ and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (114 mg, 0.10 mmol) for potassium acetate and Pd(dppf)Cl₂. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.00 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (t, J=1.76 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.37 (m, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 2H), 1.26 (s, 12H).

Intermediate 32. 3-Bromo-2-ethoxy-5-((5-methyl-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine

A solution of 3-bromo-5-(chloromethyl)-2-ethoxypyridine (2.84 g, 11.34 mmol), NaI (169.93 mg, 1.13 mmol), K₂CO₃ (3.13 g, 22.67 mmol) and 5-methyl-2H-tetrazole (1.91 g, 22.67 mmol) in ACN (50 mL) was stirred at rt for 72 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, hexanes/EtOAc, 0-100%) provided the title compound as an oil (1.83 g, 54%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.04 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.44 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.43 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate 33. Ethyl 2-(2-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)acetate

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 32, with the appropriate starting material substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.52 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.38 (m, 3H), 5.59 (s, 2H), 4.20 (q, J=7.30 Hz, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 1.27 (t, J=7.24 Hz, 3H).

Intermediate 34. 3-Bromo-2-ethoxy-5-((5-methyl-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl)pyridine

Isolated from Intermediate 32 reaction. White solid (1.32 g, 39%)¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 5.61 (s, 2H), 4.44 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 1.39-1.49 (m, 3H).

Intermediate 35. (1-((5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

Step 1. 1-((5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde. 3-Bromo-5-(chloromethyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 25, 630 mg, 2.66 mmol) in acetone (10 mL) was added Cs₂CO₃ (1.32 g, 4.0 mmol) and NaI (39.93 mg, 0.27 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 3 h. The mixture was diluted with DCM and filtered. The filtrate was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 20-100%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as which was directly taken into the next step.

Step 2. (1-((5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol. 1-((5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde (347 mg, 1.12 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added NaBH₄ (42.33 mg, 1.22 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 0.5 h. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted into DCM. The organic fractions were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 50-100%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound.

Intermediate 36. 1-((5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

Step 1. 3-Bromo-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 5 with the appropriate starting material substitutions.

Step 2. 1-((5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine. To a solution of 3-bromo-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine (1.0 g, 3.18 mmol) in AcOH (15 mL), and water (4 mL) was added zinc (2.07 g, 31.8 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 1 hr. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a white solid. The crude solid was dissolved in DCM (50 mL), sonicated and filtered (repeated twice). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ and the layers separated. The organic layers were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was triturated with hexanes to give the title compound.

Intermediate 37. 5-(Chloromethyl)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-2′-carbonitrile

Step 1. 2′-Chloro-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-5-carbaldehyde. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 8 Step 3, employing 5-bromo-6-methoxynicotinaldehyde (Intermediate 27) and (2-chloropyridin-4-yl)boronic acid. [M+H]=249.25.

Step 2. 5-Formyl-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-2′-carbonitrile. Into a 10 mL microwave vial were added 2′-chloro-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-5-carbaldehyde (684 mg, 2.75 mmol), dicyanozinc (226 mg, 1.93 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (318 mg, 0.28 mmol), and DMF (15 mL). The vial was capped, purged with nitrogen, then heated at 150° C. for 15 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc and extracted with water. The remaining organic phase was treated with brine, dried (NaSO₄), filtered and concentrated. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-75% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (602.00 mg, 91%). [M+H]=240.28.

Step 3. 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-2′-carbonitrile. Into a 100 mL round bottomed flask containing 5-formyl-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-2′-carbonitrile (602 mg, 2.52 mmol) was added MeOH (25 mL) followed by NaBH₄ (95 mg, 2.52 mmol). The rxn mixture was stirred at rt for 10 min. The reaction was quenched with HCl (1 mL), then concentrated. The residue was diluted with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ and EtOAc. The layers were separated, and the organic phase was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound (219 mg, 36%) as a white solid. The crude material was used without further purification. [M+H]=242.30.

Step 4. 5-(Chloromethyl)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-2′-carbonitrile. To a solution of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridine]-2′-carbonitrile (219.3 mg, 0.91 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added thionyl chloride (130 μL, 1.82 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2.5 h then concentrated to afford the title compound as a yellow solid (0.2225 g, 94%). [M+H]=260.27.

Intermediate 38. 5-(Chloromethyl)-2′-ethoxy-2-methoxy-3,4′-bipyridine

Step 1. (2′-chloro-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methanol. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 8, Step 3, employing (5-bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol (Intermediate 23) and (2-chloropyridin-4-yl)boronic acid. [M+H]=251.30.

Step 2. (2′-Ethoxy-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methanol. A solution of (2′-chloro-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methanol (925 mg, 3.69 mmol) in 21% w/w NaOEt in EtOH (22 mL) was heated at 75° C. for 8 h under nitrogen. The rxn mixture was cooled to rt, diluted with EtOAc, washed with 1M citric acid (2×), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-75% EtOAc/hexanes afforded (0.499 g, 52%) of the title compound as an amber oil. [M+H]=261.39.

Step 3. 5-(Chloromethyl)-2′-ethoxy-2-methoxy-3,4′-bipyridine. A solution of (2′-ethoxy-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methanol (499.30 mg, 1.92 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was cooled in an ice-water bath for 5 min. Thionyl chloride (0.35 mL, 4.8 mmol) was added dropwise over 1 min. A white ppt formed immediately. The rxn mixture was stirred for 1 h at rt, then quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO₃. The layers were separated, and the aq. phase was extracted with DCM. The combined organic phase was dried (NaSO₄), filtered and concentrated to give (543 mg, 101%) of the title compound as an amber oil. [M+H]=278.38.

Intermediate 39. 5-(Chloromethyl)-2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)-2′-ethoxy-3,4′-bipyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 38, employing (5-bromo-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methanol and (2-chloropyridin-4-yl)boronic acid in Step 1. [M+H]=329.37.

Intermediate 40. 5-(Chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 38, employing (5-bromo-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methanol and (2-chlorophenyl)boronic acid in Step 1. [M+H]=318.30.

Intermediate 41. 5-(Chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine

Step 1. Methyl 5-bromo-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)nicotinate. To a solution of methyl 5-bromo-6-chloronicotinate (3.00 g, 11.98 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (1.44 g, 14.37 mmol). The solution was cooled in an ice-water bath under nitrogen for 5 minutes, then potassium tert-butoxide (12.58 mL, 1.00 mol/L, 12.58 mmol) was added dropwise over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h, then diluted with NaHCO₃ and EtOAc. The layers were separated, and the organic phase was washed with water, and brine. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-15% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (2.355 g, 63%) as a white solid. [M+H]=314.22/317.22.

Step 2. (5-Bromo-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methanol. To a cooled solution, 0° C., of 5-bromo-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)nicotinate (2.36 g, 7.50 mmol) in THF (20 mL) under nitrogen, was added DIBAL (15.00 mL, 1.00 mol/L, 15.00 mmol) over 2 min. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to rt where it was stirred for 8 h. The rxn mixture was concentrated then diluted with DCM and stirred 48 h with 1M NaOH (25 mL). The layers were separated, and the aq. phase was extracted with DCM. The combined organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated to yield (2.778 g, 130%) of the title compound as a colorless oil. [M+H]=286.23/288.23.

Step 3. (5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methanol. To a solution of (5-bromo-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methanol (1.50 g, 5.24 mmol) in ACN (10.0 mL) was added 3-chloro-phenyl-boronic acid (902.02 mg, 5.77 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.DCM (42.82 mg, 0.05 mmol), and 2 M aq. Na₂CO₃ (10.0 mL). The reaction mix was purged with nitrogen and heated under microwave irradiation for 30 min at 100° C. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/hexanes) provided the title compound (1.0937 g, 6₆) as an amber oil. [M+H]=318.30.

Step 4. 5-(Chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine. To a cooled, 0° C., solution of (5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methanol (1.09 g, 3.4 mmol) in DCM (15.0 mL), was added thionyl chloride (0.63 mL, 8.6 mmol) dropwise over 1 min. A white ppt formed immediately. After stirring 1 h at rt, more thionyl chloride (300 μL) was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred for additional 8 h. The reaction was quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO₃, the layers were separated, and the aq. phase was extracted with DCM. The combined organic phase was dried (NaSO₄), filtered and concentrated to afford (0.9143 g, 79%) of the title compound as an amber oil. [M+H]=336.24.

Intermediate 42. 5-(Chloromethyl)-2′-(difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-3,4′-bipyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 38, Steps 1 and Step 3, employing 2-(difluoromethoxy)-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyridine and (5-bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol (Intermediate 23) in Step 1. [M+H]=301.04.

Intermediate 43. 5-(Chloromethyl)-2′-(difluoromethoxy)-2-ethoxy-3,4′-bipyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 38. [M+H]=315.05.

Intermediate 44. Methyl 5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxylate

Step 1. 5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile. The title compound was prepared analogous to Intermediate 7, Step 1, employing 5-(chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 30) and 5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile, and substituting Pd(PPh₃)₄ for Pd(dppf)Cl₂.DCM. [M+H]=337.34.

Step 2. Methyl 5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxylate. To a cooled, 0° C., solution of wet MeOH was added acetyl chloride (2.0 mL) dropwise over 5 min. The reaction mix was stirred an additional 35 min. at 0° C., then added to 5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile (278.4 mg, 0.83 mmol). The reaction mix was heated to 50° C. for 2.5 h. The rxn mixture was concentrated, diluted with EtOAc, neutralized with sat. aq. NaHCO₃. The layers organic phase was separated, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford (277.5 mg, 91%) of the title compound as a colorless oil that contains some of the corresponding carboxylic acid. The title compound was used crude in the next step. [M+H]=370.37.

Intermediate 45. Methyl 5-((2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)-2′-ethoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinate

Prepared in the same manner as Interemediate 44 using intermediate Intermediate 39. [M+H]=448.39.

Intermediate 46. 5-(Bromomethyl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-ethoxypyrazine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 1.

Intermediate 47. 5-(Chloromethyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 17, employing (5-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methanol.

Intermediate 48. 2-Chloro-5-((6-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl) pyrimidine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 1, Step 3, employing 5-(bromomethyl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-ethoxypyrazine (Intermediate 46) and (2-chloropyrimidin-5-yl)boronic acid, substituting aq. NaHCO₃ for Na₂CO₃. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.66 (s, 2H), 7.98-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.87-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.26 (m, 1H), 4.50 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 4.10 (s, 2H), 1.47 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=363.4.

Intermediate 49. Ethyl 2-(4-{[5-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)acetate

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 24, employing 5-(chloromethyl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine and (4-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)boronic acid. [M+H]=398.41.

Intermediate 50. Ethyl 2-(4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)acetate

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 24, employing Intermediate 30 and (4-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)boronic acid. [M+H]=396.32.

Intermediate 51. 2-Chloro-5-((5-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 24, employing Intermediate 47 and (2-chloropyrimidin-5-yl)boronic acid. [M+H]=330.40.

Intermediate 52. 5-((5-Bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 21, from 3-bromo-5-(chloromethyl)-2-ethoxypyridine (Intermediate 17) and 2-aminopyrimidine-5-boronic acid.

Intermediate 53. 2-(5-((5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 7, from 5-(chloromethyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 47) and 2-(5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile.

Intermediate 54. 2-(5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 10, Step 1, employing Intermediate 30 and 2-(5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile, omitting water as a co-colvent.

Intermediate 55. tert-Butyl (5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-yl)carbamate

A solution of 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (Intermediate 31, 127.7 mg, 0.36 mmol), tert-butyl (5-bromopyrazin-2-yl)carbamate (126.53 mg, 0.46 mmol), K₂CO₃ (98 mg, 0.70 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (32.8 mg, 0.03 mmol) in dioxane (3.00 mL) and water (600.00 μl) was heated at 110° C. overnight.

Intermediate 56. tert-Butyl (5-((5-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-yl)carbamate

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 21, employing 3-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-5-(chloromethyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 26) and tert-butyl (5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyrazin-2-yl) carbamate.

Intermediate 57. 2-Bromo-5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 55, employing 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (Intermediate 31) and 2-bromo-5-iodopyrazine. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.62 (d, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=0.78 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.31-7.43 (m, 3H), 4.10 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H).

Intermediate 58. 5-((6-Chloro-5-fluoropyridin-3-yl)methyl)-2′-(difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-3,4′-bipyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 1, using Intermediate 39, employing microwave heating, substituting sodium bicarbonate for sodium carbonate.

EXAMPLES Example 1. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile

Into a 5 mL microwave vial was combined 5-(bromomethyl)-3-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxypyrazine (Intermediate 1, 176.00 mg, 0.49 mmol), 5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile (124.55 mg, 0.54 mmol), EtOH (2.45 mL), benzene (7.00 mL), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (56.63 mg, 0.05 mmol), and aq. NaHCO₃ (1.38 mL, 1.15 mol/L, 1.59 mmol). The vial was sealed, purged with nitrogen and heated to 125° C. under microwave conditions for 15 minutes. Water was removed from the reaction with a pipette, and the crude reaction mixture was filtered thru CELITE®, and washed with EtOAc (3×5 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-30%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as a white solid (100 mg, 53%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.94 (s, 2H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 7.95-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.85 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.3, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.61 (m, 1H), 4.49 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.30-4.25 (m, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=384.15.

Example 2. 2-Chloro-5-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine

To a solution of 5-(bromomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 2, 100 mg, 0.321 mmol), (2-chloropyrimidin-5-yl)boronic acid (76 mg, 0.481 mmol) in ACN (3.2 mL) was added NaHCO₃ (417 mg, 1.282 mmol) and PdCI₂(dppf)-DCM (23 mg, 0.032 mmol). The reaction was heated under microwave conditions, at 120° C. for 12 minutes. Water was removed from the reaction with a pipette, and the crude reaction mix was filtered thru CELITE®, and washed with EtOAc. The combined organics were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated onto silica. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 30-70% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (61 mg, 55%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.34 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.36 (m, 3H), 3.83 (s 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H). [M+H]=346.11.

Example 3. {2-[(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)amino]ethyl}dimethylamine

To a solution of 2-chloro-5-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine (Example 2, 50.00 mg, 0.14 mmol) in ACN (1.44 mL), was added N1,N1-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine (0.03 mL, 0.29 mmol), and DIPEA (77.13 μL, 0.43 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 180° C. for 15 minutes. EtOAc (5 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture was extracted with water (3×). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-15% MeOH/DCM) afforded the title compound (15.6 mg, 28%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.21 (s, 2H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.67 (br s, 2H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.51-7.34 (m, 2H), 6.79 (br s, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 2H), 2.42-2.37 (m, 4H), 2.17 (s, 6H). [M+H]=398.20.

Example 4. 2-Methoxy-3-(6-methoxypyridin-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

A solution of 5-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-bromo-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (Intermediate 13, 50 mg, 0.16 mmol), (6-methoxypyridin-2-yl)boronic acid (46 mg, 0.30 mmol), in EtOH (2.45 mL), benzene (7.00 mL), was combined with Pd(PPh₃)₄ (27 mg, 0.02 mmol), and 4 M aq. Na₂CO₃ (3 mL) in a microwave vial. The vial was sealed, purged with nitrogen and heated under microwave conditions to 120° C. for 12 minutes. Water was removed from the reaction with a pipette, and the crude reaction mix was filtered thru CELITE®, and washed with EtOAc (3×5 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 30-70% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (11.9 mg, 25%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 6.91-6.84 (m, 2H), 5.93 (d, J=4.3 Hz, 1H), 4.69 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.14 (s, 3H). [M+H]=298.02.

Examples 5-12 were prepared analogous to procedures described in Examples 1 or 2, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 5. 2-Methoxy-3-(3-methylphenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.65 (s, 1H), 8.18-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.27 (m, 3H), 7.19-7.14 (m, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H). [M+H]=281.36.

Example 6. 2-Methoxy-3-(5-methylpyridin-3-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.93 (s, 1H), 8.77 (s, 2H), 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.35 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H). [M+H]=282.09.

Example 7. 2-Methoxy-3-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.77-8.63 (m, 2H), 8.37 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.00-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.43 (m, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H). [M+H]=282.20.

Example 8. {3-[2-Methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridin-3-yl]phenyl}methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.65 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.26 (m, 4H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 5.22 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.51 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=297.23.

Example 9. 3-(3-Methanesulfonylphenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=7.83 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=7.83 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=1.56 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.72 (m, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.15 (s, 3H). [M+H]=345.21.

Example 10. 2-Methoxy-3-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.44 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 2.42 (s, 3H). [M+H]=282.31.

Example 11. 2-Methoxy-3-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.32-8.27 (m, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (dd, J=5.1, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H). [M+H]=282.39.

Example 12. 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-methylphenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

As a mixture of compounds, ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.72-8.61 (m, 1H), 8.00-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.94-7.86 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.33 (m, 1H), 7.32-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 5.75 (s, 1H), 5.49 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H). [M+H]=317.15.

Example 13. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

To a solution of 5-((6-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile (Example 1, 100.00 mg, 0.26 mmol) in MeOH (1.3 mL) was added aq. NaOH (0.78 mL, 0.78 mmol), followed by H₂O₂ (0.78 mL, 0.79 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 8 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the precipitate filtered and washed with water to obtain the title compound as a white solid (70 mg, 67%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.93 (s, 2H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.12 (br s, 1H), 7.91-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.81 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (br s, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.02 (m, 2H), 4.42 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=402.26.

Example 14. [5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methanol

To a cooled solution, −78° C., of 5-bromo-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 7, 1.5 g, 5 mmol) in THF (25 mL), under nitrogen, was added nBuLi (4.8 mL, 5.5 mmol) drop-wise over 2 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 40 min. A solution of 4-fluorobenzaldehyde (744 mg, 6 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred an additional 30 min at −78° C. The reaction was quenched with sat. Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-25% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as a colorless solid (1.65 g, 96%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.29 (m, 5H), 7.07 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.84 (s, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H). [M+H]=344.18.

Examples 15-16 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 14, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 15. 1-[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethan-1-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.16 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.43 (m, 3H), 7.42-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.04 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 1.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=358.21.

Example 16. [5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.38 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.28 (m, 3H), 5.87 (s, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H). [M+H]=345.19.

Example 17. {[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methyl}(methyl)amine

Step 1. 5-(Chloro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine. To a cooled solution, 0° C., of [5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methanol (Example 14, 1.43 g, 4.17 mmol), in DCM (10 mL), was added thionyl chloride (744 mg, 6.25 mmol) dropwise. The solution was allowed to warm up to room temperature, and stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-10% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound, which was used directly for the next step.

Step 2. {[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methyl}(methyl)amine. To a solution of 5-(chloro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (70 mg, 0.193 mmol) in ACN (2 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (53 mg, 0.39 mmol), NaI (5 mg, 0.03 mmol), and methylamine (0.5 mL, 0.97 mmol). The reaction was sealed and heated at 45° C. for 12 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-10% MeOH/DCM) afforded the title compound (23 mg, 33%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.20 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.40-7.27 (m, 3H), 7.18 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.54-5.49 (m, 1H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 2.63 (s, 3H). [M+; loss of NHMe]=326.14.

Examples 18-19 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 17, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 18. [5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methanamine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.34 (m, 5H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 5.58 (s, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+; loss of NH₂]=326.14.

Example 19. {[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methyl}dimethylamine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.28 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J=5.1, 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 5.51-5.38 (m, 1H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 2.88-2.74 (m, 6H). [M+H]=371.20.

Example 20. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[fluoro(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridine

To a solution of [5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl](4-fluorophenyl)methanol (Example 14, 70 mg, 0.18 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) was added Deoxo-Fluor® (79 mg, 0.36 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 h then concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-10% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (21 mg, 34%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.31 (m, 5H), 7.15 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.70-6.52 (m, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=346.17.

Example 21. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}benzoic acid

Step 1. Methyl 4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)benzoate was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 2 with the appropriate starting material substitution. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound. [M+H]=368.11 Step 2. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}benzoic acid. To a solution of methyl 4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)benzoate (91 mg, 0.248 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was added 2 N aq. NaOH (2.0 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the resulting solid was triturated with diethyl ether. The resulting white solid was dissolved in DCM and filtered to remove inorganic solids. The filtrated was concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (74 mg, 85%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.03 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.43-7.30 (m, 5H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H). [M+H]=354.13.

Example 22. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile

Example 22 was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 1, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions. [M+H]=338.10

Example 23. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxylic acid

A solution of 5-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile (Example 22, 30 mg, 0.0845 mmol) in MeOH (1.54 mL) was heated to 50° C. until the starting material dissolved. 1 N aq. NaOH (0.23 mL, 0.23 mmol) was added followed by H₂O₂ (0.23 mL, 1.00 mol/L, 0.23 mmol) and the solution was heated at 50° C. for an additional 2 h. Water (5 mL) was added and the reaction was filtered and washed with water (3×5 mL). A mixture of products were observed; 5-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxylic acid (the title compound) and 5-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide (Example 24, 4 mg, 13%). The filtrated contained the acid, and the water layer was acidified with concentrated HCl (3 drops) and extracted with DCM (3×20 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (23 mg, 74%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.86 (br s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.27 (m, 3H), 4.14 (br s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=356.13

Example 24. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

The title compound was made in a manner analogous to Example 13. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.83 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.29 (m, 3H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=355.21.

Examples 25, 27-30, 32-35, 37-43, 45-89, 91-108 were prepared analogous to procedures described in Examples 1 or 2, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 25. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.18 (s, 2H), 8.02 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.31 (m, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 2H). [M+H]=327.21.

Example 26. (4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)urea

Step 1. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 1, from Intermediate 2 and 4-nitrophenyl boronic acid to afford a tan solid. [M+H]=355.07.

Step 2. 4-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)aniline. A solution of 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine (162 mg, 0.45 mmol), HOAc (3 mL), water (1 mL), and zinc (292.5 mg, 4.5 mmol) was heated at 60° C. for 1 h, then filtered hot through a 1 cm pad of Celite® and used directly for the next step.

Step 3. (4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)urea. 4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)aniline solution from Step 2 was added KCNO (73 mg, 0.9 mmol). The mixture was sonicated for 20 min to afford a gummy ppt. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, neutralized with aq. Na₂CO₃ to pH 7, then extracted with EtOAc (3×5 mL). The combined organic layers were concentrated under reduced pressure to afford a solid, which was triturated with DCM to give (55 mg, 34%) of the title compound as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.64-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.28 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 3.85-3.81 (m, 5H). [M+H]=368.27.

Example 27. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}benzamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.02 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.56-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.29 (m, 5H), 4.03 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H). [M+H]=353.13.

Example 28. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.61 (br s, 1H), 7.92-7.43 (m, 9H), 3.84 (s, 2H). [M+H]=336.18.

Example 29. 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19 (s, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.30-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.02-7.10 (m, 2H), 6.95 (dd, J=8.22, 1.57 Hz, 1H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 2H). [M+H]=359.28.

Example 30. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.99 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.43-7.29 (m, 4H), 6.55 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 2H). [M+H]=326.26.

Example 31. 1-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)-3-(oxetan-3-yl)urea

To a solution of 4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)benzoic acid (Example 21, 90 mg, 0.25 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) was added DIPEA (33 mg, 0.25 mmol) and DPPA (77 mg, 0.28 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 30 minutes. The LCMS confirmed the disappearance of the starting acid. A solution of oxetan-3-amine hydrochloride (41.5 mg, 0.38 mmol), DIPEA (49 mg, 0.38 mmol) and DCM (2 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The LCMS confirmed the presence of the product. All solvents were removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-5%, MeOH/DCM) afforded the title compound (50 mg, 46%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 2H), 7.41-7.24 (m, 5H), 7.14 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.87 (br s, 3H), 4.55 (s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 2H). [M+H]=424.20.

Example 32. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.10 (dd, J=2.0, 6.3 Hz, 2H), 7.67 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.36 (m, 3H), 6.72 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H). [M+H]=341.19.

Example 33. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (dd, J=2.0, 9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.51-7.30 (m, 5H), 6.89 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (s, 2H). [M+H]=362.31.

Example 34. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N,N-dimethylpyridin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.00 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.43-7.29 (m, 4H), 6.63 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 2H), 3.04 (s, 6H). [M+H]=354.22.

Example 35. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.85 (s, 2H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.38 (m, 5H), 4.21-4.17 (m, 2H). [M+H]=373.14.

Example 36. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1,3-thiazol-2-amine

Step 1. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(dibromomethyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 1, Steps 4, with the appropriate starting material substitutions. [M+H]=426.1, 428.1, 430.1.

Step 2. 5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)nicotinaldehyde. To a solution of 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-(dibromomethyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (700 mg, 1.65 mmol) in ACN (2 mL) was added a solution of Na₂CO₃ (525 mg, 5.0 mmol) in water (4 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 16 h. The LCMS showed complete conversion. All solvents were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with water, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-20%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)nicotinaldehyde (355 mg, 76%). [M+H]=284.1.

Step 3. tert-Butyl (5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)(hydroxy)methyl)thiazol-2-yl)carbamate. A solution of tert-butyl (5-bromothiazol-2-yl)carbamate (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was cooled to −78° C. and n-butyllithium (0.51 mL of 1.4 M solution in hexanes, 0.72 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at −78° C. A solution of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)nicotinaldehyde (112 mg, 0.39 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was added dropwise to the reaction and this mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at −78° C. The LCMS confirmed the product. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride was added and the mixture was extracted into EtOAc. The combined extracts were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10-80%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded tert-butyl (5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)(hydroxy)methyl)thiazol-2-yl)carbamate (73 mg, 42%). [M(-tBu)+H]=428.1.

Step 4. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1,3-thiazol-2-amine. To a solution of tert-butyl (5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)(hydroxy)methyl)thiazol-2-yl)carbamate (73 mg, 0.15 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added TES (52.2 mg, 0.45 mmol) and TFA (102 mg, 0.90 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The LCMS showed complete conversion. All solvents were removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in DCM and sat. aq. NaHCO₃, the layers shaken and separated and the aqueous layer extracted into DCM. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and solvent under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 20-100%, EtOAc/hexanes) gave the title compound (34.4 mg, 62%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.02 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.30 (m, 6H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 3.94 (s, 2H). [M+H]=368.06.

Example 37. (2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.94 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.14 (m, 7H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 4.07 (s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H). [M+H]=340.13.

Example 38. 5-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.17 (s, 2H), 8.02 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.09-7.02 (m, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.81 (s, 2H). [M+H]=311.00.

Example 39. 5-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CLOROFORM-d) δ 8.71 (s, 2H), 8.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.26-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 1H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H). [M+H]=321.17.

Example 40. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.18 (s, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 2H), 7.47-7.30 (m, 3H), 4.38 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (s, 2H), 1.33 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=341.04.

Example 41. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(propan-2-yloxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.18 (s, 2H), 8.01-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.29 (m, 3H), 5.35 (m, 1H), 3.80 (s, 2H), 1.30 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H). [M+H]=355.21.

Example 42. 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[3-(propan-2-yloxy)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19 (s, 2H), 8.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78-7.29 (m, 3H), 7.06-7.00 (m, 2H), 6.95-6.90 (m, 1H), 4.68-4.55 (m, 1H), 3.86 (s, 2H), 1.32 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H). [M+H]=387.25.

Example 43. 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[3-(oxetan-3-yloxy)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10 (s, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.24 (m, 3H), 7.04-6.99 (m, 1H), 6.84-6.80 (m, 1H), 6.75-6.70 (m, 1H), 5.21 (m, 1H), 4.92 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.64-4.59 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 2H). [M+H]=401.22.

Example 44. N-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

Step 1. To a solution of 5-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine (Example 25, 50.0 mg, 0.15 mmol), in DCM (10 mL), was added and DIPEA (40 mg, 0.31 mmol). The solution was cooled to 0° C. and acetyl chloride (230 μL, (0.23 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed warm up to room temperature overnight, then concentrated to afford the corresponding imide (bis-acylated adduct), which was used crude in the next step.

Step 2. N-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide. A solution of the crude product from step 1 in added ammonia (7N in methanol) was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (11.4 mg, 21%) as an off white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 10.44 (s, 1H), 8.59 (s, 2H), 8.14 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.38 (m, 3H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H). [M+H]=369.20.

Example 45. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.78-7.37 (m, 8H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H). [M+H]=424.16.

Example 46. 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.27-8.16 (m, 4H), 7.85 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.16-6.96 (m, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 2H). [M+H]=360.23.

Example 47. 5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.23-8.20 (m, 1H), 8.18 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.16 (m, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 2H). [M+H]=360.23.

Example 48. 2-[5-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]propan-2-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.69 (s, 2H), 8.09 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.31 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (td, J=1.0, 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.64 (m, 1H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 1.20 (s, 6H). [M+H]=402.26.

Example 49. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-{[6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.66 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.93-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.32 (m, 3H), 4.13 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=379.15.

Example 50. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[6-(propan-2-yloxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.03 (dd, J=2.15, 10.37 Hz, 2H), 7.31-7.72 (m, 7H), 6.64 (d, J=8.61 Hz, 1H), 5.27 (m, 1H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 1.34 (d, J=6.26 Hz, 6H). [M+H]=405.22.

Example 51. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.06-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.31 (m, 7H), 6.70 (d, J=9.00 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (t, J=6.85 Hz, 2H), 3.91 (s, 2H), 1.80 (q, J=6.65 Hz, 2H), 1.02 (t, J=7.43 Hz, 3H).

Example 52. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1-methyl-1,2-dihydropyridin-2-one

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.03 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.51 (m, 3H), 7.47-7.30 (m, 4H), 6.51 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 2H), 3.55 (s, 3H). [M+H]=341.19.

Example 53. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.44 (d, J=4.70 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.29 (d, J=4.70 Hz, 2H), 3.96 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=311.13.

Example 54. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxylic acid

Example 54 was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 21, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.61 (br s, 1H), 8.19 (br s, 1H), 8.12-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.93-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.56-7.39 (m, 3H), 4.10 (br s, 2H). [M+H]=391.25.

Example 55. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.58 (s, 2H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.03-7.86 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=4.30 Hz, 2H), 4.09 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=343.01.

Example 56. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-N-methylpyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.48 (br s, 1H), 8.13 (s, 2H), 8.07-7.90 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=5.09 Hz, 2H), 4.11-3.94 (m, 5H), 2.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=342.05.

Example 57. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-N-cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.12-8.18 (m, 1H), 7.93-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=5.09 Hz, 2H), 4.09 (s, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 2.68 (m, 1H), 0.84-0.97 (m, 2H), 0.61-0.71 (m, 2H). [M+H]=368.06.

Example 58. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10-7.92 (m, 3H), 7.55 (br s, 1H), 7.45-7.39 (m, 3H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H). [M+H]=315.01.

Example 59. (4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)methanamine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.99 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (s, 2H), 7.44-7.14 (m, 6H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H). [M+H]=339.10.

Example 60. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.02 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.81-7.74 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.25 (m, 3H), 6.50 (d, J=5.48 Hz, 1H), 6.43 (s, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 2H). [M+H]=326.01.

Example 61. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(2,6-dimethylpyridin-4-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.02 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.25 (m, 3H), 6.97 (s, 2H), 3.98-3.86 (m, 5H), 2.43 (s, 6H). [M+H]=339.05.

Example 62. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.57 (d, J=5.09 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 2H), 7.48-7.26 (m, 3H), 4.08 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H). [M+H]=336.14.

Example 63. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide

The title compound was made in a manner analogous to Example 23, from 4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carbonitrile (Example 62), reaction run at rt. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.49 (d, J=5.09 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (br s, 1H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=1.57 Hz, 2H), 7.54-7.33 (m, 4H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=354.15.

Example 64. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.55 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.39 (dd, J=1.2, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.29 (dd, J=4.7, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 3.96 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=318.09.

Example 65. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.93 (s, 1H), 8.07-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.52 (m, 3H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H). [M+H]=318.15.

Example 66. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.40 (m, 3H), 4.03 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H). [M+H]=345.17.

Example 67. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(6-methoxy-5-methylpyridin-3-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.09 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.59-7.52 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.36 (m, 3H), 3.87-3.84 (m, 6H), 3.82 (s, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H). [M+H]=356.09.

Example 68. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.94 (s, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.53-7.45 (m, 3H), 4.29 (s, 2H). [M+H]=354.12.

Example 69. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.14 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.45 (m, 3H), 4.11 (s, 2H), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H). [M+H]=381.15.

Example 70. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-3-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.86 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.70 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (s, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (s, 1H), 7.55 (br s, 1H), 7.52-7.43 (m, 4H), 4.09 (s, 2H). [M+H]=391.05.

Example 71. (5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-3-yl)methanamine

Step 1. tert-Butyl ((5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)carbamate. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 1, with the appropriate starting material substitutions.

Step 2. (5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-3-yl)methanamine. Purified compound from Step 1, was treated with a solution of 20% TFA in DCM and stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between EtOAc and sat. aq. NaHCO₃. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.61-8.47 (m, 1H), 8.31 (m, 2H), 8.22 (br s, 1H), 7.97-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.50 (br s, 2H), 4.12-4.03 (m, 2H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 3.15 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 2H). [M+H]=377.25.

Example 72. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.42 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.89-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.69-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 3H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 2.39 (s, 3H). [M+H]=361.06.

Example 73. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.94-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.53-7.42 (m, 4H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 2.55 (s, 3H). [M+H]=368.02.

Example 74. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.74-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.41 (m, 4H), 4.43 (s, 2H). [M+H]=354.05.

Example 75. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methylpyrimidine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.55 (s, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.34 (m, 3H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=327.15.

Example 76. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyrimidine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.55 (s, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.34 (m, 3H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=342.15.

Example 77. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-(propan-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.30 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.35 (br s, 1H), 4.03-3.89 (m, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.75 (s, 2H), 1.11 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H). [M+H]=370.05.

Example 78. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.77 (s, 2H), 8.16 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.36 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.30 (s, 3H). [M+H]=313.01.

Example 79. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.05 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.52-7.38 (m, 4H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.75 (s, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H). [M+H]=315.02.

Example 80. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl)pyridine

Step 1. tert-Butyl 4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxylate. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 1, with the appropriate starting material substitutions.

Step 2. Purified compound from step 1, was treated with a solution of 20% TFA in DCM and stirred at rt for 4 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between EtOAc and sat. NaHCO₃. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.05 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.58-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.50-7.36 (m, 4H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 2H). [M+H]=301.02.

Example 81. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-methylpyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.34 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (br s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.36 (m, 3H), 3.83 (s 3H), 3.80-3.75 (m, 3H), 3.73 (s, 2H). [M+H]=342.05.

Example 82. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.34 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (br s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.36 (m, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 2H), 2.68-2.56 (m, 1H), 0.71-0.61 (m, 2H), 0.53-0.38 (m, 2H). [M+H]=368.02.

Example 83. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N,N-dimethylpyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.38 (s, 2H), 8.16 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.36 (m, 3H), 3.86 (s 3H), 3.73 (s, 2H), 3.01 (s, 6H). [M+H]=355.18.

Example 84. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.38 (s, 2H), 8.16 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (br s, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.36 (m, 3H), 4.10-4.01 (m, 2H), 3.86 (s 3H), 3.73 (s, 2H). [M+H]=409.14.

Example 85. Methyl 4-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzoate

[M+H]=369.16

Example 86. 4-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzonitrile

[M+H]=336.6.

Example 87. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.98 (t, J=3.72 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.52 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=5.09 Hz, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.98 (s, 2H). [M+H]=328.21.

Example 88. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=2.5 Hz, 2H), 7.42-7.21 (m, 5H), 7.01 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.95 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H). [M+H]=328.26.

Example 89. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (s, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.38-7.28 (m, 3H), 3.78 (s, 2H). [M+H]=363.30.

Example 90. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide

Step 1. Methyl 5-((6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)picolinate. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 1 from (6-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridin-3-yl)boronic acid and Intermediate 3. [M+H]=370.10.

Step 2. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide. A solution of 5-((6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)picolinate (from Step 1) and ammonia (7N in methanol) was heated at 60° C. for 8 h, then concentrated under reduced pressure. Trituration with diethyl ether obtained the title compound (12 mg, 70%) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.66 (br s, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=7.83 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.69-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.59-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=4.70 Hz, 2H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 4.00-4.09 (m, 3H). [M+H]=355.10.

Example 91. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25 (br s, 2H), 8.11 (br s, 1H), 7.75 (br s, 1H), 7.48-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.46 (m, 3H), 3.90 (br s, 2H), 2.63 (br s, 1H), 0.76 (d, J=6.26 Hz, 2H), 0.51 (br s, 2H). [M+H]=403.12.

Example 92. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyrimidine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.49 (br s, 2H), 8.13 (br s, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.74 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.31 (m, 3H), 4.07-3.81 (m, 5H). [M+H]=376.20.

Example 93. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-methylpyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.20 (br s, 2H), 8.10 (br s, 1H), 7.74 (br s, 2H), 7.68-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.27 (m, 3H), 3.87 (br s, 2H), 2.89 (br s, 3H). [M+H]=377.10.

Example 94. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.27 (br s, 2H), 8.10 (br s, 1H), 7.80-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.31 (m, 4H), 4.19-4.02 (m, 2H), 3.90 (br s, 2H). [M+H]=445.10.

Example 95. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1,2-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.38 (m, 2H), 4.20-3.90 (m, 5H). [M+H]=302.10.

Example 96. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1,2-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.60-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.27 (m, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 2H). [M+H]=301.10.

Example 97. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1,2-oxazol-4-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.48-7.31 (m, 3H), 3.91 (s, 2H). [M+H]=337.10.

Example 98. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(dimethyl-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.07-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.30 (m, 3H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.89 (br s, 2H), 2.40 (br s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H). [M+H]=330.79.

Example 99. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(dimethyl-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.01 (br s, 1H), 7.64 (br s, 1H), 7.58 (br s, 1H), 7.53 (br s, 1H), 7.47-7.31 (m, 3H), 3.81 (br s, 2H), 2.36 (br s, 3H), 2.12 (br s, 3H). [M+H]=365.20.

Example 100. Methyl 2-(4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)acetate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.08 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.71-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.57-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.36 (m, 4H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.61 (s, 2H). [M+H]=418.29.

Example 101. Ethyl 1-(4-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)cyclopropane-1-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.08 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.52 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.36 (m, 4H), 7.31-7.27 (m, 1H), 4.10-4.05 (m, 4H), 4.03 (m, 1H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 1.55-1.49 (m, 2H), 1.14-1.19 (m, 3H). [M+H]=445.10.

Example 102. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[6-(cyclopropylmethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.08-8.05 (m, 1H), 8.01-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.36 (m, 4H), 6.75-6.73 (m, 1H), 4.05 (d, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 3.96 (s, 2H), 1.32-1.17 (m, 1H), 0.52-0.63 (m, 2H), 0.25-0.36 (m, 2H). [M+H]=417.33.

Example 103. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyridine-2-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.73 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.01-7.90 (m, 2H), 7.86 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (dd, J=0.8, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.59 (m, 1H), 4.48 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 1.43 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=383.26.

Example 104. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.52 (s, 2H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.95 (qd, J=0.9, 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.89-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.47 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=3.3, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.62 (m, 1H), 4.49 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.07 (s, 2H), 1.43 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=374.14.

Example 105. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.23-8.17 (m, 2H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.05-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.99 (ddd, J=1.6, 3.6, 5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.47 (m, 2H), 6.44 (s, 2H), 4.41 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=342.15.

Example 106. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.23-8.14 (m, 3H), 7.88 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.21 (m, 1H), 7.09-5.70 (m, 3H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 2H). [M+H]=360.21.

Example 107. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.94 (s, 2H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 7.90 (td, J=1.4, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (t, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.3, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.62 (m, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 4.04 (s, 3H). M+H]=370.19.

Example 108. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.93 (s, 2H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.06-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.97 (ddd, J=1.6, 3.7, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.38 (m, 2H), 4.49 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 1.43 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=352.26.

Example 109. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)pyridine

Step 1. ((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)zinc(II) bromide. To a suspension of zinc (42.77 mg, 0.65 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added 1,2-dibromoethane (2.48 μl, 0.03 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 70° C. for 10 minutes before being cooled to room temperature. Once cooled, trimethylsilylchloride (2.92 aL, 0.02 mmol) was added and the solution was stirred at room temperature for an additional 30 min. To the activated zinc solution was added 5-(bromomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (Intermediate 12, 200 mg, 0.57 mmol) and the resulting mixture was heated at 70° C. for 8 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and decanted from the solids to afford a ˜0.5 M solution of the title compound.

Step 2. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)pyridine. To a solution of 2-bromopyridine (29.89 VaL, 0.31 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (9.88 mg, 0.01 mmol) in THF (3.00 mL) was added ((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)zinc(II) bromide (500.00 taL, 0.57 mol/L, 0.29 mmol, from step 1). The resulting solution was heated at 70° C. for 5 h. The solvent was removed, and the crude material was purified on the Shimadzu HPLC using the 5-95% gradient with TFA to obtain the title compound TFA salt as an oil (21 mg, 16%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.72-8.78 (m, 1H), 8.46 (dt, J=1.57, 8.02 Hz, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.84-7.93 (m, 3H), 7.39-7.83 (m, 5H), 4.50 (s, 2H). [M+H]=347.08.

Examples 110-111 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 109, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 110. 2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.65 (d, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (dd, J=1.57, 2.74 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (d, J=2.74 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.79-7.36 (m, 5H), 4.25 (s, 2H). [M+H]=348.06.

Example 111. 6-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridazin-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.18 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.78 (m, 6H), 4.19 (s, 2H). [M+H]=363.16.

Example 112. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-6-methyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

To a solution of 3-(chloromethyl)-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylpyridine (Intermediate 8, 87 mg, 0.31 mmol), in acetone (12 mL), was added 1H-1,2,4-triazole (32 mg, 0.46 mmol), and Cs₂CO₃ (150 mg, 0.63 mmol). The reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 2 h, then filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-100%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (82.4 mg, 84%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.37-7.29 (m, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.52 (s, 3H). [M+H]=315.22.

Examples 113, 115, 117, 123, 125-126 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 13, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 113. 4-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.02-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.98 (td, J=4.30, 1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.22 Hz, 2H), 7.47-7.37 (m, 4H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H). [M+H]=354.20.

Example 114. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 90, with the appropriate starting material substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.49 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.27 (m, 6H), 4.07 (s, 2H). [M+H]=390.16.

Example 115. 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.85 (s, 2H), 8.14 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.30 (m, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 2H) 6.95 (dd, J=8.22, 1.57 Hz, 1H) 3.81 (s, 3H) 4.17 (s, 2H). [M+H]=387.32.

Example 116. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 90, with the appropriate starting material substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.56 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.09-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.82 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.30 (m, 3H), 4.09 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H). [M+H]=354.20.

Example 117. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.85 (s, 2H), 8.18 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.37 (m, 5H), 4.18 (s, 2H). [M+H]=391.16.

Example 118. 5-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.83 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.10-7.02 (m, 1H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=339.18.

Example 119. 5-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.84 (s, 2H), 8.09 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.17-7.08 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.61 (m, 1H), 4.40 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=401.27.

Example 120. 5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.91 (s, 2H), 8.33-8.27 (m, 2H), 8.12 (br s, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.93-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.50 (dd, J=1.6, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.29 (m, 1H), 4.09 (s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H). [M+H]=388.24.

Example 121. 5-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.84 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.32 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.14-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.83 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 1H), 4.13 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H). [M+H]=387.25.

Example 122. 5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.84 (s, 2H), 8.23-8.15 (m, 2H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.75-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.20 (m, 1H), 4.44 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.13 (s, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=402.26.

Example 123. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.94 (s, 2H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.99-7.91 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=5.09 Hz, 2H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 4.04 (s, 3H). [M+H]=356.20.

Example 124. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyridine-2-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 90, with the appropriate starting material substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.66-8.63 (m, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 8.04 (dd, J=0.8, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.98-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.46 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.61 (m, 1H), 4.48 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 1.43 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=401.25.

Example 125. 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.92 (s, 2H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.12 (br s, 1H), 7.88-7.82 (m, 1H), 7.74 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (br s, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.03 (m, 2H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=388.15.

Example 126. 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.92 (s, 2H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.13 (br s, 1H), 8.04-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.99-7.91 (m, 1H), 7.71 (br s, 1H), 7.52-7.45 (m, 2H), 4.48-4.37 (m, 2H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 1.40-1.28 (m, 3H). [M+H]=370.05.

Example 127. Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate

To a solution of 5-(bromomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyrazine (Intermediate 3, 200.00 mg, 0.64 mmol), in acetone (3.19 mL), was added methyl 1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (121.60 mg, 0.96 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (264.44 mg, 1.91 mmol). The reaction was stirred at rt for 2 h. The LC/MS showed two peaks with [M+H] values consistent with the two major regioproducts. The mixture was diluted with DCM (5 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 20-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (100 mg, 44%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.01 (td, J=1.1, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.99-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.36 (m, 2H), 5.64 (s, 2H), 4.07 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H). [M+H]=360.24.

Examples 128-149, 151-197 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 4 or Example 127 with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 128. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(3-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.71-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=19.17 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (s, 2H), 7.26 (s, 2H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 3.70 (s, 1H), 2.04 (s, 1H), 1.55 (s, 1H), 0.95 (d, J=6.65 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=377.22.

Example 129. 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.05 (m, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H). [M+H]=285.26.

Example 130. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 2H), 7.98-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). [M+H]=302.31.

Example 131. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.83-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.39 (m, 3H), 5.51 (s, 2H). [M+H]=337.15.

Example 132. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine

as a mixtture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.54 (s, 2H), 8.18 (d, J=6.65 Hz, 2H), 7.90-8.05 (m, 4H), 7.85 (s, 2H), 7.37-7.47 (m, 4H), 5.50 (d, J=10.17 Hz, 4H), 4.07 (s, 6H), 2.27-2.69 (m, 6H). [M+H]=316.22.

Example 133. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(3-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyrazine

as a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.16 (s, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 4H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 4H), 5.62 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.06 (m, 6H), 2.43-2.33 (m, 1H), 2.04-1.94 (m, 1H), 1.20-0.84 (m, 8H). [M+H]=342.33.

Example 134. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.32 (m, 3H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H). [M+H]=301.19.

Example 135. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(propan-2-yloxy)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.63-8.57 (m, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.31 (m, 3H), 5.44-5.40 (m, 3H), 1.31 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H). [M+H]=329.26.

Example 136. 3-[2-Methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridin-3-yl]benzonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (m, 2H), 7.91-7.83 (m, 3H), 7.69-7.62 (m, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H). [M+H]=292.26.

Example 137. 2-Methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-3-[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.77 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.54-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.27 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=351.29.

Example 138. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.13 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.33 (m, 3H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H). [M+H]=315.10.

Example 139. 3-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (dd, J=2.0, 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.00-6.89 (m, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H). [M+H]=303.09.

Example 140. Methyl 1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.31-8.23 (m, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.70-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.29 (m, 3H), 5.79 (s, 2H), 4.05-3.92 (m, 6H). [M+H]=359.33.

Example 141. Methyl 1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.21-8.18 (m, 1H), 8.18-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.33 (m, 3H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 3.99 (m, 6H). [M+H]=359.35.

Example 142. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

As a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.15 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.56-7.49 (m, 4H), 7.42-7.32 (m, 6H), 5.26 (m, 4H), 3.98 (m, 6H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H). [M+H]=315.22.

Example 143. 3-[3-(Difluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.65 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.62-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.23-6.90 (m, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H). [M+H]=317.21.

Example 144. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.45-7.31 (m, 3H), 6.33 (s, 1H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=300.15.

Example 145. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.31 (m, 3H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=369.17.

Example 146. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(3-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridine

As a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.39 (s, 2H), 8.18-8.12 (m, 2H), 7.81-7.32 (m, 10OH), 5.50 (s, 2H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 3.97-3.93 (m, 6H), 2.29-2.19 (m, 1H), 2.04-1.98 (m, 1H), 1.17-0.83 (m, 8H). [M+H]=341.23.

Example 147. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

As a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.58-7.32 (m, 14H), 5.43 (d, J=13.3 Hz, 4H), 2.58-2.29 (m, 6H). [M+H]=351.17.

Example 148. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.48 (br s, 1H), 8.24 (br s, 1H), 8.02 (m, 2H), 7.88-7.62 (m, 4H), 5.58 (m, 2H), 4.25 (s, 3H). [M+H]=368.10

Example 149. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethyl]pyridine

Step 1. 1-(5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)ethanol. A solution of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)nicotinaldehyde (Example 36 product from Step 2, 287 mg, 1.0 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and methylmagnesium bromide (1.5 mL of a 1M solution in toluene, 1.5 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 30 minutes. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride was added and the mixture was extracted into DCM. The combined extracts were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and solvent removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-60%, EtOAc/hexanes) gave 1-(5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)ethanol (231 mg, 70%). [M+H]=300.1.

Step 2. A solution of 1-(5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)ethanol (231 mg, 0.76 mmol) and DIPEA (196 mg, 1.52 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and methansulfonyl chloride (108 mg, 0.92 mmol) was added. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour. The LCMS confirmed the disappearance of the starting material. All solvents were removed in vacuo and the crude material purified (FCC, SiO₂, 0-60%, EtOAc/hexanes) to give the desired intermediate mesylate (205 mg, 70%) which was not characterized, and used directly in the next step.

Step 3. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethyl]pyridine. The mesylate from the previous step (90 mg, 0.23 mmol) was reacted in a manner analogous to Example 127, with the appropriated starting material substitutions. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 50-100%, EtOAc/hexanes) gave the title compound (56 mg, 69%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.64 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.82-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.48-7.40 (m, 3H), 5.86 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 1.96 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=351.19.

Example 150. 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

As a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.25 (m, 6H), 7.11-7.04 (m, 2H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 3.95 (m, 6H), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H). [M+H]=299.16.

Example 151. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.32 (m, 3H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.42 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=383.18.

Example 152. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.14-8.11 (m, 2H), 7.71 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.46-7.33 (m, 3H), 5.59 (s, 2H), 4.41 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=383.18.

Example 153. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.25 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.43 (m, 6H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 5.14 (s, 2H), 2.02 (s, 3H). [M+H]=350.18.

Example 154. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

As a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.19-8.09 (m, 2H), 7.74-7.65 (m, 3H), 7.47-7.29 (m, 6H), 7.17-7.10 (m, 2H), 7.04-6.64 (m, 2H), 5.40-5.37 (m, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 3.94 (m, 6H), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H). [M+H]=347.23.

Example 155. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.82-7.40 (m, 5H), 5.58 (s, 2H). [M+H]=362.01.

Example 156. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.40 (m, 5H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 3.36 (s, 3H). [M+H]=381.17.

Example 157. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.23 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.40 (m, 5H), 5.51 (s, 2H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 3.37 (s, 3H). [M+H]=381.17.

Example 158. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.17-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.64 (m, 1H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=401.19.

Example 159. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.15 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.16-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H). [M+H]=401.19.

Example 160. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.65 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (s, 5H), 5.64 (s, 2H). [M+H]=338.15.

Example 161 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-(2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.34 (m, 5H), 5.85 (s, 2H). [M+H]=338.15.

Example 162. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.38 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=2.38 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.18-7.06 (m, 1H), 7.06-6.60 (m, 1H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 4.42 (q, J=7.07 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.09 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=415.21.

Example 163. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.13 (s, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=2.51 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.14 (dd, J=7.40, 1.76 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.63 (m, 1H) 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.41 (q, J=7.03 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.09 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=415.21.

Example 164. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.13 (td, J=2.0, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.63 (m, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.41 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 1.35 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=391.28.

Example 165. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.15 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.33 (m, 3H), 7.12 (tdd, J=1.0, 2.1, 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.60 (m, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 4.70 (s, 2H), 4.40 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 1.34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=391.25.

Example 166. 5-[(4-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.30 (m, 4H), 7.15-7.10 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.64 (m, 1H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=366.16.

Example 167. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.14 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.48-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.32 (m, 2H), 6.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 4.41 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=357.29.

Example 168. Ethyl 1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.87-7.76 (m, 2H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.56-7.32 (m, 3H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 4.18 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 1.23 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=372.13.

Example 169. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.31 (m, 4H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H). [M+H]=328.08.

Example 170. 2-Methoxy-3-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.83 (d, J=3.91 Hz, 2H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.00 (dd, J=13.30, 7.83 Hz, 4H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H). [M+H]=298.15.

Example 171. N-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)acetamide

The title compound was isolated as a bi-product from Example 236. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.04 (d, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.34-7.29 (m, 3H), 5.22 (s, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 3H). [M+H]=357.32.

Example 172. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.84-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.58 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.39 (m, 3H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 5.17 (s, 2H), 3.93-3.78 (m, 3H). [M+H]=301.12.

Example 173. 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.73-8.62 (m, 1H), 8.32-8.20 (m, 1H), 8.06-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.93-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.33 (m, 1H), 7.28 (dt, J=2.3, 8.6 Hz, 1H), 5.49 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H). [M+H]=321.14.

Example 174. 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.71-8.62 (m, 1H), 8.03-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.91-7.87 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.05 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.96 (m, 1H), 5.75 (s, 1H), 5.49 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H). [M+H]=333.24.

Example 175. 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-3-[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.67 (d, J=9.8 Hz, 1H), 8.33-8.19 (m, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=3.1 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.67-7.39 (m, 2H), 5.50 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 1H). [M+H]=386.14.

Example 176. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1,2-dihydropyridin-2-one

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.32 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.29 (m, 4H), 6.61 (d, J=9.00 Hz, 1H), 6.18 (t, J=6.46 Hz, 1H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=327.17.

Example 177. 5-[(4-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.60 (s, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.40 (m, 3H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H). [M+H]=334.07.

Example 178. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.36 (m, 4H), 7.10 (s, 1H), 5.14 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.60 (s, 3H). [M+H]=314.10.

Example 179. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-nitro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.52-7.38 (m, 4H), 5.54 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=345.09.

Example 180. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-nitro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 8.01-7.91 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 2H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). [M+H]=346.70.

Example 181. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 8.01-7.91 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 2H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). [M+H]=301.11.

Example 182. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2-methoxypyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.13 (br s, 1H), 8.33 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.89 (m, 2H), 7.73 (br s, 1H), 7.57 (br s, 1H), 7.48-7.35 (m, 2H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.09 (s, 3H). [M+H]=303.11.

Example 183. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.07-7.96 (m, 2H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.58 (br s, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=3.91 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 4.04 (s, 3H), 2.09 (s, 3H). [M+H]=315.10.

Example 184. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine

as a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.96-7.90 (m, 2H), 7.86 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.85-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.46 (dt, J=1.6, 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.04-6.64 (m, 2H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.57-4.45 (m, 4H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 6H). [M+H]=362.15.

Example 185. 5-[(3-Cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxypyrazine

as a mixture

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.14 (s, 2H), 7.99-7.92 (m, 2H), 7.89-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, 2H), 7.48-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.18 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.62 (m, 2H), 5.61 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.58-4.46 (m, 4H), 2.41-2.30 (m, 1H), 1.99 (tt, J=5.2, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 1.45 (dt, J=1.6, 7.0 Hz, 6H), 1.17-1.09 (m, 2H), 1.07-1.01 (m, 2H), 0.98-0.90 (m, 2H), 0.90-0.85 (m, 2H). [M+H]=388.15.

Example 186. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.93-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.86 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.62 (m, 1H), 5.64 (s, 2H), 4.52 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=416.12.

Example 187. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.95-7.87 (m, 1H), 7.83 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.2, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.59 (m, 1H), 5.74 (s, 2H), 4.52 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=416.12.

Example 188. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.96-7.91 (m, 1H), 7.85 (t, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.62 (m, 1H), 5.54 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.46 (s, 3H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=392.26.

Example 189. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.95-7.91 (m, 2H), 7.84 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=2.2, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.63 (m, 1H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.79 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=392.15.

Example 190. Methyl 1-((6-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.92 (td, J=1.4, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.3, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.63 (m, 1H), 5.63 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=406.15.

Example 191. Methyl 1-((6-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.95-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.64 (m, 1H), 5.54 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=406.26.

Example 192. 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.28 (s, 1H), 7.92 (td, J=1.4, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=2.7, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.62 (m, 1H), 5.67 (s, 2H), 4.53 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=393.15.

Example 193. 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-((5-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.80 (td, J=1.4, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (t, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.61 (m, 1H), 6.01 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=393.21.

Example 194. Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.94 (td, J=1.1, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.93-7.86 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.34 (m, 2H), 5.99 (s, 2H), 4.08-4.04 (m, 3H), 3.99-3.95 (m, 3H). [M+H]=360.18.

Example 195. Methyl 1-({6-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 7.83 (td, J=1.4, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.72-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.04 (m, 2H), 5.66 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.29 (s, 3H). [M+H]=392.16.

Example 196. Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.89 (s, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.99-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.96-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.46 (m, 2H), 5.64 (s, 2H), 4.45 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.83-3.77 (m, 3H), 1.39-1.34 (m, 3H). [M+H]=374.18.

Example 197. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide

Step 1. Methyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 127.

Step 2. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide. To a solution of methyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate in 7 N ammonia in MeOH (4 mL) was added NaCN (5 mg). Reaction mixture was heated 24 h at 130° C. LC-MS confirms the disappearance of starting material. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-1%, EtOAc/MeOH) gave the title compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.18 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.57-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.43 (m, 3H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 3.55 (s, 1H), 3.15 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H). [M+H]=379.15.

Example 198. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

To a solution of methyl 1-((6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (Example 127, 77.00 mg, 0.21 mmol), in THF (1 mL) was added LiBH₄ (4.66 mg, 0.21 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hr. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted into DCM. The combined extracts were dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-5% DCM/MeOH) afforded the title compound (50 mg, 70%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.21 (s, 1H), 8.02 (td, J=1.1, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.00-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.38 (m, 2H), 5.53 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). [M+H]=332.15.

Examples 199-211 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 198, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 199. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.26 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.82-7.38 (m, 5H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H). [M+H]=367.18.

Example 200. [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.13 (td, J=2.0, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.40 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=377.25.

Example 201. [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.32 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.16-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.49 (s, 1H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H). [M+H]=363.23.

Example 202. (1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.49-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.33 (m, 2H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.42 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=345.22.

Example 203. (1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-ethoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 2H), 6.95 (ddd, J=1.0, 2.4, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.07 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.40 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=377.25.

Example 204. [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.24-8.21 (m, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.17 (m, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H). [M+H]=364.22.

Example 205. [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.26 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (dd, J=0.8, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.23-7.20 (m, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.45 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=378.20.

Example 206. (1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.35-8.28 (m, 2H), 8.05 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.83-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.19-7.17 (m, 1H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H). [M+H]=400.21.

Example 207. [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.93 (td, J=1.4, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.64 (m, 1H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=378.25.

Example 208. [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.93-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.83 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.7, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.62 (m, 1H), 5.65 (s, 2H), 4.91 (s, 2H), 4.50 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=378.15.

Example 209. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.16 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.94 (ddd, J=1.8, 3.5, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 5.66 (s, 2H), 4.90 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). [M+H]=332.18.

Example 210. [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.06 (m, 2H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 5.16 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.36 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H). [M+H]=364.14.

Example 211. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.99-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.48 (m, 2H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 5.16 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.36 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 1.36 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=346.25.

Example 212. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methoxy-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

Step 1. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 127 with the appropriate starting material substitutions.

Step 2. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methoxy-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine. To a solution of 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine (135 mg, 0.39 mmol), in MeOH (3 mL) was added NaOCH₃ (63 mg, 1.17 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 16 h. The LC/MS showed approximately 70% conversion. All solvents removed under reduced pressure, the residue dissolved in DCM (50 mL) and water (50 mL), the layers shaken and separated and the aqueous layer extracted into DCM (3×50 mL). The combined extracts were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and solvent removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-100% EtOAc/DCM) afforded the title compound (72 mg, 56%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.33 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.52-7.38 (m, 3H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H). [M+H]=331.21.

Examples 213-215 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 212, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 213. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(3-methoxy-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.82-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.40 (m, 3H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H). [M+H]=367.16.

Example 214. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(5-methoxy-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.17 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.39 (m, 6H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 4.12 (s, 3H). [M+H]=367.16.

Example 215. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-[(3-ethoxy-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.28-8.21 (m, 2H), 7.91 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.84-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.40 (m, 3H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.26 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=380.18.

Example 216. 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

Step 1. 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 127 with the appropriate starting material substitutions.

Step 2. 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine. To a solution of 3-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine (331.00 mg, 0.88 mmol) in HOAc (6 mL), and water (2 mL) was added zinc (573.57 mg, 8.77 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 1 hr. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a white solid. The crude solid was dissolved in DCM (50 mL), sonicated and filtered (repeated twice). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ and the layers separated. The organic layers were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was triturated with hexanes to give the title compound (287 mg, 94%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.15 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.33 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.16-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H). [M+H]=348.22.

Examples 217-218, 223-236 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 216, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 217. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.42 (m, 3H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 5.11 (s, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H). [M+H]=316.21.

Example 218. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.30 (m, 3H), 5.15 (s, 2H). [M+H]=352.17.

Example 219. 1-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

Step 1. 3-Bromo-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine. Title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 5 with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions. [M+H]=314.24/316.25.

Step 2. 1-((5-Bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine. To a solution of 3-bromo-2-methoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine (60 mg, 0.191 mmol) in AcOH (3 mL), and water (1 mL) was added zinc (124 mg, 1.91 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 1 hr. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a white solid. The crude solid was dissolved in DCM (50 mL), sonicated and filtered (repeated twice). The combined DCM extracts were washed with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ and the layers separated. The organic layers were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The title compound was taken on to the next step without further purification.

Step 3. 1-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine. 1-((5-bromo-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine and (3-fluorophenyl) boronic (42 mg, 0.3 mmol) dissolved in mixture of water (2 mL), and ACN (4 mL) were added Pd(dppf)Cl₂ (8 mg, 0.01 mmol) followed by Na₂CO₃ (53 mg, 0.5 mmol). The mixture was irradiated under microwaves for 15 minutes at 100° C. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM (3×5 mL). The combined organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-10% DCM/MeOH) afforded the title compound (49.7 mg, 89%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.13 (br s, 1H), 7.71 (br s, 1H), 7.63-7.23 (m, 4H), 7.08 (br s, 1H), 5.19 (m, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H). [M+H]=300.27.

Examples 220-222 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 220, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 220. 1-{[6-Methoxy-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.12 (s, 2H), 7.67 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (dd, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.04 (m, 2H), 6.91 (dd, J=1.6, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H). [M+H]=312.28.

Example 221. 1-{[6-Methoxy-5-(3-methylphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.12 (m, 2H), 7.64-7.29 (m, 4H), 7.16 (br s, 1H), 5.17 (br s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H). [M+H]=296.29.

Example 222. 3-{5-[(3-Amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl}benzonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19 (br s, 1H), 8.13 (br s, 1H), 7.92-7.68 (m, 4H), 7.61 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 5.19 (br s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=307.26.

Example 223. 1-{[5-(3-Ethoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.13-8.09 (m, 2H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.25 (m, 1H), 7.07-7.03 (m, 2H), 6.91-6.87 (m, 1H), 5.17 (s, 2H), 4.05 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 1.39 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=326.26.

Example 224. 1-{[5-(3-Cyclopropoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.16-8.09 (m, 2H), 7.66 (d, J=2.38 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.02 (m, 2H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.80 (tt, J=6.01, 2.96 Hz, 1H), 0.82-0.67 (m, 4H). [M+H]=338.27.

Example 225. 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.18-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.71 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.17-7.09 (m, 1H), 7.06-6.62 (m, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 4.41 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=362.24.

Example 226. 1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.22-8.11 (m, 2H), 7.84 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.35 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.05 (m, 2H), 6.97 (dd, J=2.5, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H). [M+H]=348.22.

Example 227. 1-{[5-(5-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 9.28 (s, 1H), 8.78 (d, J=1.76 Hz, 1H), 8.66 (d, J=2.13 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 8.31 (t, J=2.01 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H). [M+H]=317.21.

Example 228. 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25-8.19 (m, 2H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.18 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H). [M+H]=349.25.

Example 229. 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.24 (dd, J=0.8, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J=1.6, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (dd, J=0.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 4.47 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=363.19.

Example 230. 1-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.32-8.27 (m, 2H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.84-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.19-7.16 (m, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H). [M+H]=385.20.

Example 231. 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.04 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.30 (m, 4H), 7.14-7.09 (m, 1H), 7.02-6.64 (m, 1H), 5.64 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.10 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H). [M+H]=347.37.

Example 232. 1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.30 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.13-7.09 (m, 1H), 7.02-6.63 (m, 1H), 5.50 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.16 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H). [M+H]=347.37.

Example 233. 4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.05 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.48-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.32 (m, 2H), 5.06 (s, 2H), 4.40 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.38-1.30 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=363.30.

Example 234. 4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-5-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.99 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 5.16 (s, 2H), 4.39 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 4H). [M+H]=363.30.

Example 235. 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-4-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 216, two products were formed. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=4.30 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 2H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). [M+H]=316.10.

Example 236. 1-((6-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.64-8.50 (m, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.93 (td, J=1.4, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.60 (m, 1H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=363.14.

Example 237. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-methyl 1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

To a solution of 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine (Example 218, 120 mg, 0.34 mmol) in DCM (2 mL), was added formaldehyde (26 μL of 37 wt % solution, 0.35 mmol), NaBH(OAc)₃ (145 mg, 0.68 mmol) and a few drops of HOAc. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. Purification by reverse-phase PREP-HPLC gave the title compound (25 mg, 20%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19-8.11 (m, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.28 (m, 3H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 2.72 (s, 3H). [M+H]=366.21.

Example 238. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N,N-dimethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

Prepared as a product of the reaction from procedure as Example 237. Purification by reverse-phase PREP-HPLC gave the title compound (41 mg, 32%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.84-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.39 (m, 3H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 2.96 (s, 6H). [M+H]=380.24.

Example 239. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanamine

To a cooled solution, −78° C., of 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carbonitrile (Example 155, 345 mg, 0.95 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was slowly added DIBAL (135.64 mg, 0.95 mmol). The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with wet Na₂SO₄ and stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The white aluminum precipitate was filtered and the filtrate concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 40-100% EtOAc/DCM, followed by 0-10% MeOH/DCM) afforded the title compound (37 mg, 10%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.81-7.40 (m, 5H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 3.85-3.82 (m, 2H). [M+H]=366.20.

Example 240. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide

To a solution of methyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (Example 141, 103 mg, 0.28 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was added ammonia in methanol (2 mL of 7N solution, 14 mmol). The mixture was heated using microwave irradiation at 130° C. for 20 min. The LC/MS showed incomplete conversion. To the reaction mixture was added more ammonia in methanol (2 mL, 14 mmol) and irradiated in a microwave at 120° C. for an additional 20 min. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-5% MeOH/DCM) afforded the title compound (77 mg, 77%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.40 (m, 5H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H). [M+H]=354.18.

Examples 241-244 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 90, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 241. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-(oxetan-3-yl)benzamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.94 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.19 (m, 5H), 5.07-4.97 (m, 1H), 4.81 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 4.60 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H). [M+H]=409.24.

Example 242. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.57 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (dd, J=2.0, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.38 (m, 3H), 4.15 (s, 2H), 2.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=404.17.

Example 243. 1-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)cyclopropane-1-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.53-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.30 (m, 4H), 7.30-7.21 (m, 2H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 1.47 (q, J=3.65 Hz, 1H), 1.09-1.00 (m, 2H) 0.90-0.80 (m, 2H). [M+H]=429.10.

Example 244. 2-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.08 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.34-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.17-7.28 (m, 4H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 3.47 (s, 2H). [M+H]=403.29.

Example 245. 2-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)propan-2-ol

To a solution of 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (Example 141, 104 mg, 0.28 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added methylmagnesium bromide in diethyl ether (0.28 mL of 3M solution, 0.84 mmol). The mixture was stirred at rt for 20 min. The mixture was carefully quenched with wet Na₂SO₄, diluted with DCM, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 50-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (67 mg, 67%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.15 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.59-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.31 (m, 3H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 1H), 1.62 (s, 6H). [M+H]=359.09.

Examples 246-249 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 245, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 246. 2-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)propan-2-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.15 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.29 (m, 3H), 5.63 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 1H), 1.70 (s, 6H). [M+H]=359.09.

Example 247. 2-(4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)propan-2-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.99 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.45-7.27 (m, 5H), 7.19 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 1.50 (s, 6H). [M+H]=368.23.

Example 248. 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2-yl)propan-2-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.39 (s, 1H), 8.04 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.70-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.28 (m, 3H), 3.99 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 1.51 (s, 6H). [M+H]=369.23.

Example 249. 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2-yl)propan-2-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.41 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78-7.57 (m, 4H), 7.52 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.36 (m, 3H), 4.07 (s, 2H), 1.51 (s, 6H). [M+H]=405.22.

Example 250. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyridine

To a solution of (1-((5-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol (Example 201, 40.0 mg, 0.11 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added Deoxo-Fluor® (36.64 mg, 0.17 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The material was adsorbed on silica and purified (FCC, SiO₂, 20-100% EtOAc/hexanes) to afford the title compound (11 mg, 27%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.33 (t, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.16-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.41-5.28 (m, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H). [M+H]=365.21.

Examples 251-255 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 250, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 251. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[4-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.23-8.18 (m, 2H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.17-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.64 (s, 2H), 5.42 (d, J=48 Hz, 2H), 4.42 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=379.23.

Example 252. 2-(Difluoromethoxy)-3-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.81-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 2H), 6.96 (ddd, J=1.0, 2.5, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 5.53-5.27 (m, 4H), 4.16-4.00 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.47-1.35 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=379.27.

Example 253. 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.26-8.21 (m, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.19 (dd, J=0.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 5.48-5.27 (m, 4H), 4.00 (s, 3H). [M+H]=366.23.

Example 254. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.77-8.66 (m, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 8.03-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=10.6 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.25 (dd, J=2.7, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.17-6.71 (m, 1H), 5.61 (s, 2H), 5.58-5.54 (m, 1H), 5.45-5.29 (m, 1H), 4.61-4.47 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.43 (m, 3H). [M+H]=380.13.

Example 255. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 8.00-7.86 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.45 (m, 2H), 5.58 (s, 2H), 5.38 (s, 1H), 5.26 (s, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H). [M+H]=334.16.

Example 256. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine

Step 1. Methyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 127 with the appropriate starting material substitutions.

Step 2. 1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carbaldehyde. To a cooled solution, −78° C., of methyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (146 mg, 0.37 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added DIBAL (52.6 mg, 0.37 mmol) slowly. The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with wet Na₂SO₄ and stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The white aluminum salt precipitate obtained was filtered and (the filtrate) concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified (FCC, SiO₂, 40-100% EtOAc/DCM followed by 0-5% MeOH/DCM) to afford the title compound (69 mg, 51%).

Step 3. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)-5-{[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyridine. To a solution of ((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carbaldehyde (69 mg, 0.19 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added Deoxo-Fluor® (104.6 mg, 0.47 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The LC/MS suggested the presence of the title compound. The material was adsorbed on silica and purified (FCC, SiO₂, 10-100% EtOAc/hexanes) to afford the title compound (13 mg, 18%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.81-7.39 (m, 5H), 6.94-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.54 (s, 2H). [M+H]=387.17.

Examples 257-258 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 256, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 257. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-{[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.18-7.10 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.63 (m, 2H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.42 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=397.24.

Example 258. 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-5-{[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.21-7.17 (m, 1H), 6.95-6.63 (m, 1H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H). [M+H]=384.21.

Example 259. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine

Step 1. 5-(Azidomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine. To a solution of 5-(bromomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 2, 160 mg, 0.51 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added NaN₃ (0.05 g, 0.77 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.14 g, 1.02 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The mixture was diluted with brine and extracted into diethyl ether. All solvents were removed under reduced pressure to afford the title compound, which was used in the next step without further purification.

Step 2. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((4-(trimethylsilyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine. To a solution of 5-(azidomethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (directly used from previous reaction) and ethynyltrimethylsilane (75.1 mg, 0.77 mmol) in THF (3 mL), water (1 mL), was added copper (I) iodide (19.4 mg, 0.10 mmol) and DIPEA (132 mg, 1.02 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted in to DCM. The organic layers were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (92 mg, 48%). [M+H]=373.2.

Step 3. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine. To a solution of 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((4-(trimethylsilyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine (92.0 mg, 0.25 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was added TBAF (129 mg, 0.49 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted in to DCM. The DCM extracts were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-80% EtOAc/DCM) afforded the title compound (44 mg, 59%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10 (br s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.42 (br s, 1H), 7.35-7.21 (m, 3H), 5.54 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H). [M+H]=301.17.

Examples 260-265 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 259, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 260. [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.14 (dd, J=1.2, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.64 (m, 1H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 4.73-4.60 (m, 2H), 4.41 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=377.25.

Example 261. (1-((6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-ethoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.23 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.05 (ddd, J=1.2, 2.5, 3.7 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (ddd, J=1.0, 2.4, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 5.67 (s, 2H), 4.66 (s, 2H), 4.07 (q, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.40 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=377.25.

Example 262. [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.98-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.88 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (dd, J=3.5, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.65 (m, 1H), 5.73 (s, 2H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 4.51 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=378.24.

Example 263. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.06-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.99 (ddd, J=1.6, 3.6, 5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.40 (m, 2H), 5.74 (s, 2H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). [M+H]=332.15.

Example 264. [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.31-8.29 (m, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.05 (m, 2H), 5.72 (s, 2H), 5.16-5.05 (m, 1H), 4.49 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H). [M+H]=364.24.

Example 265. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.28 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 8.03-8.00 (m, 1H), 7.99-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.49 (m, 2H), 5.71 (s, 2H), 5.16-5.08 (m, 1H), 4.50-4.41 (m, 4H), 1.39-1.32 (m, 3H). [M+H]=346.18.

Example 266. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-{[4-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyridine

Step 1. 1-((5-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde. To a solution of [1-({5-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol (Example 260, 115 mg, 0.31 mmol), in DCM (5 mL) was added Dess-Martin Reagent® (1.22 mL, 0.30 mol/L, 0.37 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 hr. The reaction was quenched with wet Na₂SO₄. The reaction mixture was extracted into DCM, filtered and solvent removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (90 mg, 79%).

Step 2. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-{[4-(difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyridine. To a solution of 1-((5-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde (90 mg, 0.24 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added Deoxo-Fluor® (133 mg, 0.60 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The material was adsorbed on silica. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-80% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (53 mg, 56%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.36 (t, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.16-7.10 (m, 1H), 7.07-6.63 (m, 2H), 5.66 (s, 2H), 4.41 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=397.24.

Example 267. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid

To a solution of ethyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (Example 168, 25.00 mg, 0.07 mmol) in THF (2 mL), MeOH (2 mL) was added aq. LiOH (1.00 mL, 1.00 mol/L, 1.00 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the crude residue dissolved in water. The aqueous reaction mixture was acidified with 1 N HCl (5 mL), and extracted into ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (20 mg, 87%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.30 (br s, 1H), 8.39 (br s, 1H), 8.19 (br s, 1H), 7.80 (br s, 2H), 7.68-7.26 (m, 4H), 5.34 (br s, 2H), 3.87 (br s, 3H). [M+H]=344.31.

Example 268. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide

A solution of 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile (Example 170, 25.00 mg, 0.08 mmol) in MeOH (1.54 mL) was heated to 50° C., until the starting material dissolved. Aq. NaOH (0.23 mL, 1.00 mol/L, 0.23 mmol) and H₂O₂ (0.23 mL, 1.00 mol/L, 0.23 mmol) were added and the reaction stirred at 50° C. for 2 h. Water was added (5 mL), and the mixture was filtered and washed with water (3×5 mL) to afford the title compound as a solid (25.0 mg, 95%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20 (d, J=13.69 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, J=14.48 Hz, 2H), 7.65-7.37 (m, 5H), 6.95 (br s, 1H), 5.32 (br s, 2H), 3.87 (br s, 3H). [M+H]=343.33.

Example 269. [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methanol

Step 1. 1-((5-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 127, with the appropriate starting material substitutions.

Step 2. [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methanol. To a solution of 1-((5-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (99 mg, 0.27 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added NaBH₄ (14.3 mg, 0.38 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min. The mixture was quenched with water (0.5 mL), diluted with DCM (10 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 20-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (100 mg, 100%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.74-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.30 (t, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 7.03-6.64 (m, 1H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H). [M+H]=362.21.

Examples 270-275 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 269, with the appropriate starting materials and reagent substitutions.

Example 270. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.08-8.30 (m, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.57-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.54 (m, 3H), 6.81 (s, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 5.16 (t, J=5.28 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (d, J=5.09 Hz, 2H), 3.49-3.59 (m, 2H). [M+H]=366.20.

Example 271. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.19-8.40 (m, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.83-7.46 (m, 6H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 3.55 (s, 1H). [M+H]=366.20.

Example 272. [1-({5-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.04 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.27 (m, 4H), 7.13-7.08 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.63 (m, 1H), 6.29 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H). [M+H]=362.17.

Example 273. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.46-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 2H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 4.39 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.33 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=344.33.

Example 274. (4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 2H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.39 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.33 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). [M+H]=378.27.

Example 275. (4-Chloro-1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.46-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 2H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 4.40 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.33 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 4H). [M+H]=378.27.

Example 276. 4-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}benzoic acid

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 21, with the appropriated starting material and reagent substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.01 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.43 (s, 1H), 7.35-7.24 (m, 5H), 4.01 (s, 2H). [M+H]=390.09.

Example 277. (1-((6-Ethoxy-5-(2-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 21, from (1-((5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol (Intermediate 19) and (2-fluorophenyl)boronic acid, substituting Pd(dppf)Cl₂.DCM for Pd(dppf)Cl₂. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.31 (m, 2H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 5.18 (t, J=6.02 Hz, 1H), 4.38 (d, J=6.02 Hz, 2H), 4.33 (q, J=7.03 Hz, 2H), 1.22 (t, J=7.03 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=329.4.

Example 278. 5-((5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-propoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 21 from 5-(chloromethyl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-propoxypyridine (Intermediate 22) and 2-aminopyrimidine-5-boronic acid, substituting Pd(PPh₃)₄ for Pd(dppf)Cl₂. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.18 (s, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.44 (m, 1H), 6.45 (s, 2H), 4.24 (t, J=6.46 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 2H), 1.68 (q, J=6.65 Hz, 2H), 0.92 (t, J=7.43 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=357.4.

Example 279. 5-((5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 24, from 5-((5-bromo-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine (Intermediate 52) and (3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)boronic acid, substituting aq. NaHCO₃ for Na₂CO₃. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.33 (s, 2H), 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (dd, J=2.2, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (ddd, J=2.2, 4.9, 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.42 (m, 1H), 4.33 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.76 (s, 2H), 1.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=359.25.

Example 280. 2-(4-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)acetamide

Step 1. 2-(4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)acetic acid. To a solution of 2-(4-((5-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)acetate (Intermediate 50, 100.00 mg, 0.25 mmol) in THF (1.26 mL) and MeOH (1.3 mL) was added 1N solution of LiOH (0.63 mL, 0.25 mmol). The reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 30 min. EtOAc (10 mL) was added to the reaction mixture followed by sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (10 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted and acidified with conc. HCl. The acidified aq. layer was extracted with EtOAc (10 mL), and the combined organic layers were collected, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The title compound was used crude in the next step without further purification.

Step 2. 2-(4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)acetyl chloride. To a solution of 2-(4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)acetic acid in DCM (2.0 mL) was added oxalyl chloride (0.25 mL, 0.50 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude title compound was used in the next step without further purification.

Step 3. 2-(4-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)acetamide. A solution of 2-(4-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)phenyl)acetyl chloride in 4N ammonia in dioxane (0.75 mL, 0.75 mmol) was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the precipitate was filtered and washed with water to obtain the title compound (60 mg, 64%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.33 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.11 (m, 4H), 6.81 (br s, 1H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.30 (s, 2H); [M+H]=367.40.

Example 281. 2-(5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

H₂SO₄ (1 mL) was added to 2-(5-((5-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile (Intermediate 53, 100 mg, 0.30 mmol) and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath, ice was added to the reaction mixture, followed by water (100 mL), and stirred for 30 min. Solids were filtered, and the pH of the aq. layer adjusted to neutral with aq. NaHCO₃. The aq. layer was extracted with DCM, the combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated onto silica gel. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10% MeOH/90% EtOAc) afforded the title compound (60 mg, 57%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.69 (s, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.49 (m, 4H), 7.29-7.18 (m, 4H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 5H), 3.66 (s, 2H); [M+H]=353.25.

Example 282. 5-{[5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 13 from 5-((5-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ8.88 (s, 2H), 8.18 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (br s, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (dd, J=2.2, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (br s, 1H), 7.58-7.52 (m, 1H), 7.49-7.39 (m, 1H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); [M+H]=373.10.

Example 283. 2-[(5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)amino]ethan-1-ol

The title compound was prepared in manner analogous to Example 3, employing 2-Chloro-5-((5-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine (Intermediate 51). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ8.20 (s, 2H), 8.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.19 (m, 2H), 6.86 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.65-4.57 (m, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 3.45 (q, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.27 (q, J=6.5 Hz, 2H); [M+H]=355.25.

Example 284. 2-(5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)-2-methylpropanenitrile

To a cooled 0° C. mixture of 2-(5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrmidin-2-yl)acetonitrile (100.00 mg, 0.29 mmol), DMSO (2.85 mL), water (0.40 mL) and NaOH (45.6 mg, 1.14 mmol) was added MeI (0.070 mL, 1.14 mmol) dropwise. The resultant mixture was stirred at rt for 40 min. before being poured into water (10 mL). The precipitate was filtered and washed with water to obtain the title compound (85 mg, 78%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.85-8.81 (m, 2H), 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.38 (m, 2H), 3.99 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 1.68 (s, 7H); [M+H]=379.40.

Example 285. 2-(1-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)acetonitrile

Step 1. 5-((3-(Chloromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine. To a solution of (1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol (Example 199, 200 mg, 0.55 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) was added thionylchloride (97.32 mg, 0.82 mmol). The mixture was stirred at rt for 1 hr. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a white solid which was used without further purification in the following step.

Step 2. 2-(1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)acetonitrile. To a solution of 5-((3-(chloromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyridine (201 mg, 0.52 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added Cs₂CO₃ (510 mg, 1.572 mmol) followed by KCN (50.97 mg, 0.78 mmol). The mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted into EtOAc. The combined organic fractions were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 30-90%, EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound (165 mg, 84%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.81-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.41 (m, 3H), 5.47-5.46 (m, 2H), 4.01-3.97 (m, 2H); [M+H]=376.

Example 286. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5((5-ethoxypyridin-2-yl)methyl)-2-methoxy pyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 55 employing 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (Intermediate 31) and 2-bromo-5-ethoxypyridine. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.24 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.29-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.10-7.16 (m, 1H), 7.04-7.09 (m, 1H), 4.02-4.11 (m, 4H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 1.42 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=355.3.

Example 287. 5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-amine

tert-Butyl (5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-yl)carbamate (Intermediate 55) was dissolved in DCM (5 mL)/TFA (1 mL) and stirred at rt for 4 hrs. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. After evaporating the solvent, the material was dissolved in EtOAc, washed with sat. aq. NaHCO₃. The organics were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide the title compound as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.03 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (s, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=7.43 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.34 (m, 1H), 3.95 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H); [M+H]=327.3.

Example 288. 5-((5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 291. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.07 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J=2.35, 7.04 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (ddd, J=2.35, 4.70, 8.61 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (t, J=8.61 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H); [M+H]=345.32.

Example 289. 2-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-ethoxypyrazine

To a solution of 5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-amine (Example 287, 39 mg, 0.12 mmol) in EtOH (3 mL) was added tert-butyl nitrite (48 μL, 0.36 mmol) followed by 4 N HCl in dioxane (6 μL, 4.00 mol/L, 0.02 mmol). The resulting solution was stirred at rt overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between DCM/sat NaHCO₃. The organic layer dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford a yellow oil. Purification (prep TLC, SiO₂, hexanes/EtOAc (8:2)) provided the title compound as a colorless oil (19.7 mg, 47%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.15 (d, J=1.17 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=1.76 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.35 (m, 2H), 4.35 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 1.40 (t, J=7.24 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=356.31.

Example 290. 2-((5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-yl)amino) ethanol

A solution consisting of 2-bromo-5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazine (Intermediate 57, 37.5 mg, 0.10 mmol) and 2-aminoethanol (23 μL, 0.38 mmol) in dioxane (2 mL) and n-butanol (1 mL) was heated at 175° C. overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude residue purified by preparative HPLC using a 15-85% gradient with formate as the additive. Addition of concentrated NH₄OH followed by evaporation of the solvent gave the desired compound as a white solid (19 mg, 47%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.03 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=1.17 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=1.17 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=1.76 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.31-7.35 (m, 1H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.69 (t, J=5.67 Hz, 2H), 3.45 (t, J=5.67 Hz, 2H); [M+H]=371.32.

Example 291. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-((5-methyl-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methylpyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 32 employing 5-(chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methoxypyridine (Intermediate 30) and 5-methyl-2H-tetrazole. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.26 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.74 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (q, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.42 (m, 3H), 5.69 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.53 (s, 3H); [M+H]=316.36.

Example 292. 4-(5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)morpholine

A mixture of 2-chloro-5-{[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine (Example 2, 73 mg, 0.21 mmol), DIEA (184 μL, 1.06 mmol) and morpholine (73.17 μL, 0.85 mmol) in dioxane (2 mL) was heated at 110° C. for 24 h. The dioxane was removed under reduced pressure and the residue taken up in MeOH (2 mL) before being purified. Purification (Preparative HPLC, 15-85% gradient with formic acid in the mobile phase) provided the title compound as a white solid (48 mg, 57%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.27 (s, 2H), 8.03 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.31-7.35 (m, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 3.72 (s, 8H); [M+H]=397.42.

Example 293. 5-((6-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine

A mixture of 5-(bromomethyl)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-ethoxypyrazine (Intermediate 46, 91 mg, 0.28 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (26 mg, 0.02 mmol), K₂CO₃ (115 mg, 0.83 mmol) and 2-aminopyrimidine-5-boronic acid (58 mg, 0.41 mmol) in dioxane (2 mL) and water (500.00 μL) was heated employing microwave irradiation at 130° C. for 30 min. Purification (preparative HPLC, 15-85% gradient with formic acid as the additive) afforded the title compound as a white solid (29 mg, 31%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.29 (s, 2H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.95-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.32 (td, J=8.56, 10.27 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=344.41.

Example 294. 2-((5-((6-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)ethanol

A mixture consisting of 2-chloro-5-((6-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl) pyrimidine (Intermediate 48, 59.10 mg, 0.16 mmol) in 2-aminoethanol (1 mL) was heated at 100° C. for 2 h. The mixture was poured into H₂O (10 mL) and let sit at rt overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered, and the collected solid was purified (preparative HPLC, 15-85% gradient with formic acid as additive). Treatment with concentrated NH₄OH and evaporation gave the desired compound as a white solid (37 mg, 58%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.51 (s, 1H), 8.30 (s, 2H), 8.06-8.07 (m, 1H), 7.95-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.33 (td, J=8.61, 10.56 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 3.65-3.72 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.52 (m, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=388.46.

Example 295. 2-(1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)ethanol

To a solution of ethyl 2-(2-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)acetate (Intermediate 33, 49.30 mg, 0.13 mmol) in THF (5 mL) at 0° C. was added LAH (69 μL, 2.40 mol/L, 0.17 mmol). The resulting solution was allowed to warm to rt over 3 h then carefully quenched by adding dropwise a solution of KF (37 mg, 0.64 mmol) dissolved in water (1 mL). The reaction mix was stirred for 15 min then filtered thru a bed of Celite®. The Celite® was washed throughly with EtOAc, and the EtOAC washes were concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (preparative HPLC, 15-85% gradient with formic acid as additive) afforded the title compound as a colorless oil (1 mg, 3%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.52 (m, 1H), 7.36 (d, J=1.17 Hz, 3H), 5.54 (s, 2H), 4.12 (t, J=5.09 Hz, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.01-3.09 (m, 2H).

Example 296. 2-Ethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-((5-methyl-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 21, employing 3-bromo-2-ethoxy-5-((5-methyl-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine (Intermediate 32) and (4-fluorophenyl)boronic acid, in dioxane/water. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.10 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.06-7.14 (m, 2H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.43 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.37 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=314.43.

Example 297. 2′-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-((4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-2-methoxy-3,4′-bipyridine

Step 1. 1-((2′-(difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde. A solution of 5-(chloromethyl)-2′-(difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-3,4′-bipyridine (Intermediate 42, 300 mg, 1.0 mmol), 2-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde (109.8 mg, 1.0 mmol), Cs₂CO₃ (487.6 mg, 1.5 mmol) and acetone (5 mL) were stirred at rt for 3 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM, filtered, and the organics were removed under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 10% MeOH/DCM/EtOAc) provided the title compound as a mixture of two regioisomers (60 mg, 16%).

Step 2. 5-((2′-(Difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropyridin-2-amine. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 256 Step 3. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25-8.21 (m, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.18 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H); [M+H]=397.

Example 298. 2-((5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)oxy)acetamide

Step 1. Methyl 2-((5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)oxy)acetate. To a solution of methyl glycolate (106.47 mg, 1.18 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) was added 60% NaH in mineral oil (35 mg, 0.89 mmol). The solution was stirred under nitrogen at 0° C. for 30 min. then [2-chloro-5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine] (Example 2, 204.60 mg, 0.59 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 18 h. Additional NaH (20 mg, 0.51 mmol) was added, and the reaction mixture was heated an additional 8 h. The reaction mix was cooled in an ice water bath and 1M NH₄Cl was added. The crude reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phase was treated with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated to afford (224.5 mg, 95%) of the title compound as an oil. [M+H]=400.39.

Step 2. 2-((5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)oxy)acetamide. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 240. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.55 (s, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (t, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.53 (m, 4H), 7.12 (br s, 1H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 3.89 (s, 2H), 3.55 (s, 1H), 3.30 (s, 3H); [M+H]=385.38.

Example 299. (5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)methanol

To a cooled, 0° C., solution of methyl 5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxylate (Intermediate 44, 277 mg, 0.75 mmol) in MeOH (4 mL), was added NaBH₄ (28 mg, 0.75 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for an additional 8 h then neutralized to pH 7 with 1M aq. citric acid and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organics were dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, hexanes/(10% MeOH in EtOAc) 0-100%) afforded (64 mg, 25%) of the title compound as a light yellow semi-solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.16 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.54-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.33-7.54 (m, 3H), 5.12-5.23 (m, 1H), 4.54 (d, J=6.26 Hz, 2H), 3.96 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); [M+H]=342.40.

Example 300. (1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

Step 1. Methyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 127 from 5-(chloromethyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine. [M+H]=427.35.

Step 2. (1-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol. To a cooled, 0° C., solution of methyl 1-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate (172.30 mg, 0.40 mmol) in THF (5 mL), under nitrogen was added DIBAL (0.81 mL, 1.00 mol/L, 0.81 mmol) over 1 min. The ice bath was removed, and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3.5 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated then re-dissolved in DCM (5 mL), and 1N NaOH aq. (0.5 mL) was added. The solution was stirred for an additional 8 h at rt. The layers were separated and the aq. phase was extracted with DCM. The combined organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. (FCC, SiO₂, 0-10% DCM/MeOH) afforded the title compound (25 mg, 16%) as a white powder. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H) 7.95 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55-7.41 (m, 1H), 5.39 (s, 1H), 5.03 (q, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 4.36 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.30 (s, 2H), 2.48 (td, J=1.9, 3.6 Hz, 4H); [M+H]=399.35.

Example 301. 5-((2′-(Difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropyridin-2-amine

Step 1. 5-((2′-(Difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-3-fluoro-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyridin-2-amine. The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 3 using Intermediate 58. [M+H]=497.52.

Step 2. 5-((2′-(Difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropyridin-2-amine. A solution of 5-((2′-(difluoromethoxy)-2-methoxy-[3,4′-bipyridin]-5-yl)methyl)-3-fluoro-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyridin-2-amine (90.7 mg, 0.18 mmol) in TFA (5 mL) was heated 50° C. for 8 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated and re-dissolved in EtOAc then washed with NaHCO₃. The organics were separated, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-100% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded (6.14 mg, 9%) of the title compound as a tan solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.30 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.78-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.49 (dd, J=1.3, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (s, 2H), 6.02 (s, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 2H); [M+H]=377.20.

Example 302. 5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-ol

To a cooled, 0° C., solution of 5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine (Example 25, 104 mg, 0.32 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) and water (5 mL) was added tert-butyl nitrite (150 μL, 1.27 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to rt and stirred for an additional 7 h. The rxn mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phase was treated with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-15% MeOH/DCM) afforded the title compound as a white solid (80.48 mg, 77%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 11.80 (s, 1H), 8.19 (br s, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (t, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.56 (m, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 2H); [M+H]=326.26.

Example 303. 2-((5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)oxy)ethanol

To a cooled, 0° C., solution of ethylene glycol (4.0 mL) was added NaH (10.40 mg, 0.43 mmol). The solution was stirred under nitrogen at 0° C. for 30 min. then 2-chloro-5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidine (Example 2, 100.00 mg, 0.29 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to rt and stirred for an additional 8 h. The rxn mixture was diluted with water to obtain a ppt, which was washed with diethyl ether and dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford (41 mg, 37%) of the title compound as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.54 (s, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.54-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.54 (m, 3H), 4.83 (t, J=5.48 Hz, 1H), 4.18-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.79-3.93 (m, 4H), 3.60-3.74 (m, 2H); [M+H]=372.38

Example 304. 5-((5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-2-(difluoromethoxy)pyrimidine

To a solution of 5-((5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrimidin-2-ol (Example 306, 248.20 mg, 0.76 mmol) in ACN (5 mL) was added 2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetic acid (87.26 μL, 0.83 mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (160.52 mg, 1.51 mmol). The suspension was stirred at rt for 48 h. The reaction mixture was filtered, diluted with EtOAc and washed with water. The organic phase was treated with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated. Purification (FCC, SiO₂, 0-30% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as a colorless oil (17 mg, 6%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.45 (s, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (t, J=36 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.22 (m, 5H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 2H); [M+H]=378.35.

Examples 305-306 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 1, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 305. 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-3-methylpyridazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.97 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.31 (m, 4H), 4.07-4.03 (m, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.65-2.61 (m, 3H); [M+H]=326.

Example 306. 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-fluoropyridin-3-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.39-8.35 (m, 1H), 8.34-8.31 (m, 1H), 8.23-8.19 (m, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.77-7.73 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.19 (m, 4H), 4.47-4.38 (m, 2H), 4.11-4.05 (m, 2H), 1.36 (s, 3H); [M+H]=376.

Examples 307-314 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 127, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 307. 1-{[5-(2-Cyanopyridin-4-yl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.75-8.85 (m, 1H), 8.22-8.34 (m, 2H), 8.02 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.86-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.42 (br s, 1H), 7.18 (br s, 1H), 6.62 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H); [M+H]=335.37.

Example 308. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.19 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.40 (m, 4H), 7.22-7.16 (m, 1H), 6.61 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.39-5.34 (m, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H); [M+H]=343.

Example 309. 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.26-8.20 (m, 2H), 7.88-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.18 (dd, J=0.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (s, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H); [M+H]=376.

Example 310. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.07 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.41 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.29 (m, 3H), 7.03-6.87 (m, 1H), 5.71-5.58 (m, 1H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 4.43 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=357.

Example 311. 1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.27-8.21 (m, 2H), 7.86-7.81 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.40 (m, 1H), 5.33-5.25 (m, 2H), 4.50-4.41 (m, 2H), 1.41-1.33 (m, 3H); [M+H]=390.

Example 312. 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.06 (m, 1H), 8.04-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.89-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.43 (s, 2H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 4.58-4.47 (m, 2H), 1.44 (s, 3H); [M+H]=358.

Example 313. 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.07 (m, 2H), 8.02-7.97 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.40 (m, 2H), 6.81-6.77 (m, 1H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 4.49 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.43 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=358.

Example 314. 1-{[6-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 2H), 7.90-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.33 (td, J=8.6, 10.3 Hz, 1H), 5.38 (s, 2H), 4.58-4.49 (m, 2H), 1.45 (s, 3H); [M+H]=360.

Examples 315-316 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 198, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 315. [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25-8.21 (m, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.38 (dd, J=1.4, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (dd, J=0.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 5.21-5.13 (m, 2H), 4.47-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H); [M+H]=377.

Example 316. [1-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.23-8.20 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.56 (s, 2H), 7.38-7.35 (m, 1H), 7.18-7.14 (m, 1H), 6.20-6.11 (m, 1H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 2.30 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=377.

Example 317. 1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 219, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.90 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 2H), 5.49 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.38 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.33 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=343.

Example 318. 1-[(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)oxy]-2-methylpropan-2-ol

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 245, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.53 (s, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.65 (m, 4H), 4.62 (s, 1H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 2H), 1.15 (s, 6H); [M+H]=400.43.

Examples 319-326 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 269, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 319. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.87 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.30 (m, 5H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.39 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 1.33 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=358.

Example 320. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.00 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.46-7.30 (m, 3H), 6.10-6.05 (m, 1H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.38 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.33 (s, 3H); [M+H]=358.

Example 321. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.80-7.42 (m, 6H), 7.06-7.02 (m, 1H), 5.24-5.21 (m, 2H), 4.48-4.44 (m, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H); [M+H]=380.

Example 322. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.99-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.88 (ddd, J=1.6, 3.6, 5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 2H), 6.84-6.79 (m, 1H), 5.03 (s, 2H), 4.49-4.38 (m, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H); [M+H]=345.

Example 323. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10-8.06 (m, 1H), 8.05-7.97 (m, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.40 (m, 2H), 6.19-6.13 (m, 1H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 4.55-4.44 (m, 4H), 2.42 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 3H), 1.43 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=359.

Example 324. (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.05 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.02 (m, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 4.56-4.47 (m, 2H), 4.46-4.43 (m, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=359.38.

Example 325. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.94 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.31 (m, 3H), 6.13 (s, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.39 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.30 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 3H), 1.33 (s, 3H); [M+H]=358.

Example 326. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.01 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.32 (m, 3H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 5.16-5.11 (m, 2H), 4.44 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 4H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.34 (s, 4H); [M+H]=358.

Examples 327-346 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 277, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 327. (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.62 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.29 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.05 (m, 2H), 6.94-6.88 (m, 1H), 5.41-5.38 (m, 1H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 4.39-4.21 (m, 4H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=341.37.

Example 328. (1-{[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.45 (m, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 4.41-4.24 (m, 5H), 1.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=345.12.

Example 329. (1-{[5-(5-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.72 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.14-8.11 (m, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 4.43-4.26 (m, 7H), 1.29-1.24 (m, 3H); [M+H]=346.25.

Example 330. (1-{[5-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.53 (m, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 5.15 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.41-4.30 (m, 4H), 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=379.25.

Example 331. (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.62 (s, 1H), 8.14 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.18 (dd, J=8.4, 9.6 Hz, 1H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 4.43-4.22 (m, 4H), 2.26 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 3H), 1.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=343.25.

Example 332. [1-({6-Ethoxy-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.94-7.83 (m, 3H), 7.75-7.61 (m, 2H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 4.44-4.27 (m, 6H), 1.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=379.20.

Example 333. [1-({6-Ethoxy-5-[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.51 (m, 3H), 7.40-7.29 (m, 1H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 4.44-4.18 (m, 6H), 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=395.25.

Example 334. (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(3-ethoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.14 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.12-7.02 (m, 2H), 6.90 (ddd, J=1.2, 2.3, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 4.40-4.29 (m, 4H), 4.04 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.32 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=355.25.

Example 335. [1-({5-[3-(Dimethylamino)phenyl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.14 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.09 (br s, 1H), 7.00-6.85 (m, 2H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 4.33 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.96 (s, 7H), 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=354.25.

Example 336. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.39 (m, 3H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 5.15 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.36 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H); [M+H]=331.77.

Example 337. (1-{[5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (dd, J=2.2, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.44 (m, 1H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 5.15 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.39-4.30 (m, 5H), 1.32-1.21 (m, 4H); [M+H]=363.25.

Example 338. (1-{[5-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (dd, J=8.97, 2.20 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 5.18 (t, J=6.02 Hz, 1H), 4.32-4.45 (m, 4H), 1.30 (t, J=7.03 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=347.3.

Example 339. [1-({6-Ethoxy-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-4-yl]pyridin-3-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.74 (d, J=5.48 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=1.17 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (dd, J=5.09, 1.57 Hz, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.47 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=380.3.

Example 340. (1-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, J=2.38 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.56 (m, 2H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 5.18 (t, J=6.02 Hz, 1H), 4.31-4.42 (m, 4H), 1.29 (t, J=7.03 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=347.3.

Example 341. (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(3-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=2.38 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.17-7.25 (m, 1H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 5.18 (t, J=6.02 Hz, 1H), 4.30-4.45 (m, 4H), 1.29 (t, J=7.03 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=329.4.

Example 342. (1-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.26 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.32 (m, 2H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 5.18 (t, J=6.02 Hz, 1H), 4.30-4.43 (m, 4H), 1.28 (t, J=7.03 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=329.4.

Example 343. (1-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.03-8.00 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.14-6.99 (m, 3H), 5.18-5.13 (m, 2H), 4.48-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H); [M+H]=358.

Example 344. (1-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.03-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.12 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 4.44 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H); [M+H]=328.

Example 345. (1-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.04 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.30 (dd, J=1.6, 6.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 5.16-5.12 (m, 2H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H); [M+H]=346.

Example 346. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.03 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.32 (m, 3H), 7.01 (s, 1H), 5.14 (s, 2H), 4.45 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H); [M+H]=344.

Examples 347-349 were prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 21, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 347. 4-{5-[(2-Aminopyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl}pyridine-2-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6) δ 8.69-8.83 (m, 1H), 8.26 (dd, J=1.57, 0.78 Hz, 1H), 8.08-8.24 (m, 3H), 7.92-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 6.44 (s, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 2H); [M+H]=319.37.

Example 348. 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.74-8.86 (m, 2H), 8.17 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.91 (m, 1H), 7.65 (t, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.60 (m, 3H), 6.13-6.54 (m, 1H), 4.49-4.71 (m, 2H), 4.34 (s, 1H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 3.22-3.32 (m, 1H); [M+H]=401.38.

Example 349. 5-{[5-(2-Ethoxypyridin-4-yl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.25-8.07 (m, 4H), 7.75 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (dd, J=1.6, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 6.44 (br. s, 2H), 4.31 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 1.31 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=338.21.

Examples 350-362 were prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 24, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 350. 5-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.35 (s, 2H), 8.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.19 (m, 2H), 4.31 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=325.25.

Example 351. 5-{[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.36 (s, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.51-7.43 (m, 3H), 4.31 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 4H); [M+H]=341.25.

Example 352. 5-{[6-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.33 (s, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.20-7.12 (m, 2H), 4.31 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (s, 2H), 2.25 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 3H), 1.29-1.20 (m, 3H); [M+H]=339.25.

Example 353. 5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.34 (s, 2H), 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (ddd, J=2.3, 8.0, 12.3 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.38 (m, 2H), 4.33 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=343.25.

Example 354. 5-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.37 (s, 2H), 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.25 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.19 (m, 1H), 7.07 (ddd, J=2.2, 4.4, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (s, 6H), 3.79 (s, 2H); [M+H]=341.25.

Example 355. 5-{[5-(3-Ethoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.36-8.30 (m, 2H), 8.09-8.04 (m, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.19 (m, 3H), 7.06 (ddd, J=2.3, 4.5, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.11 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.86-3.82 (m, 3H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 1.38-1.29 (m, 3H); [M+H]=355.15.

Example 356. 3-{5-[(2-Aminopyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl}benzonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.37-8.26 (m, 2H), 8.14 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (td, J=1.5, 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (td, J=1.3, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 2H); [M+H]=318.25.

Example 357. 5-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.34 (s, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.16 (dd, J=8.4, 9.6 Hz, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 2.25 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=325.15.

Example 358. 2-(5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.81-8.76 (m, 2H), 8.16 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (ddd, J=2.2, 7.9, 12.2 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (td, J=8.5, 10.9 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.34 (m, 1H), 4.34 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); [M+H]=353.35.

Example 359. 5-{[5-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.35 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.55 (ddd, J=2.2, 4.9, 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.43 (m, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 2H); [M+H]=345.25.

Example 360. 5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.36 (s, 2H), 8.09 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.19 (m, 2H), 3.85-3.83 (m, 3H), 3.78 (s, 2H); [M+H]=311.36.

Example 361. 5-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.35 (s, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.39 (m, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 2H); [M+H]=345.21.

Example 362. 5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.34 (s, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (ddd, J=2.2, 7.9, 12.2 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (td, J=8.5, 10.9 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.34 (m, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 2H); [M+H]=329.39.

Examples 363-365 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 280, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 363. 2-(4-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.09 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (ddd, J=2.2, 7.9, 12.2 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (td, J=8.6, 11.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.23-7.13 (m, 5H), 6.82 (br s, 1H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.30 (s, 2H); [M+H]=369.40.

Example 364. 2-(4-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.05 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.38 (br s, 1H), 7.26-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.12 (m, 4H), 6.80 (br s, 1H), 3.88 (s, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.29 (s, 2H); [M+H]=351.25.

Example 365. 2-(4-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}phenyl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.09 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.11 (m, 4H), 6.80 (br s, 1H), 3.89 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.28 (s, 2H); [M+H]=385.26.

Examples 366-372 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 281, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 366. 2-(5-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.69 (s, 2H), 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.44-7.40 (m, 2H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 4H), 3.66 (s, 3H); [M+H]=387.25.

Example 367. 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)-2-methylpropanamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.71 (s, 2H), 8.15 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.38 (m, 2H), 6.82 (br s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.30 (s, 2H), 1.45 (s, 7H); [M+H]=397.40.

Example 368. 2-(5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.19-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.35 (m, 2H), 6.97 (br s, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.67 (s, 2H); [M+H]=371.40.

Example 369. 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.69 (s, 2H), 8.16 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.53-7.37 (m, 4H), 6.95 (br s, 1H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.65 (s, 2H); [M+H]=369.35.

Example 370. 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.71 (s, 2H), 8.20 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.68-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.38 (m, 4H), 6.96 (br s, 1H), 4.99 (q, J=9.3 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.66 (s, 2H); [M+H]=437.39.

Example 371. 2-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.70 (s, 2H), 8.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.35 (m, 3H), 6.96 (br s, 1H), 6.35 (t, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (dt, J=3.5, 15.1 Hz, 2H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 3.66 (s, 2H), 3.55 (s, 1H); [M+H]=419.39.

Example 372. 2-(1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)acetamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.27-8.24 (m, 1H), 7.94-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.58-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.46 (s, 3H), 5.46-5.44 (m, 2H), 3.65 (s, 2H); [M+H]=394.

Examples 373-374 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 13, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 373. 5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.88 (s, 2H), 8.18 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (br s, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (br s, 1H), 7.63 (ddd, J=2.2, 7.9, 12.2 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (td, J=8.6, 10.7 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.34 (m, 1H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H); [M+H]=357.15.

Example 374. 5-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.88 (s, 2H), 8.15 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (br s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 2H), 7.60-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.19 (m, 2H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H); [M+H]=339.15.

Example 375. 2-[(5-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)amino]ethan-1-ol

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 3, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.20 (s, 2H), 8.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (ddd, J=2.2, 7.9, 12.2 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.33 (m, 1H), 6.84 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.63-4.56 (m, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 2H), 3.45 (q, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.29-3.23 (m, 2H); [M+H]=373.40.

Examples 376-378 were prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 55, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 376. (5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrazin-2-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.59 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 2H), 8.17-8.13 (m, 1H), 7.78-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.40 (m, 3H), 5.57-5.48 (m, 1H), 4.63-4.54 (m, 2H), 4.19-4.10 (m, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H); [M+H]=342.20.

Example 377. 2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-5-methylpyrazine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.46 (d, J=1.17 Hz, 1H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.36 (t, J=7.63 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (t, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H); [M+H]=326.29.

Example 378. 6-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridine-3-carbonitrile

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.83 (dd, J=0.78, 1.96 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.85-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.28-7.37 (m, 3H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 3.95-3.98 (m, 3H); [M+H]=336.34.

Example 379. 5-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrazin-2-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 287, employing tert-butyl (5-((5-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyrazin-2-yl)carbamate (Intermediate 56). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.09 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=1.56 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=1.17 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.26 (dd, J=0.78, 1.96 Hz, 1H), 4.54 (br s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H); [M+H]=345.35.

Examples 380-388 were prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 32, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 380. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.13 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.31-7.38 (m, 3H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.55 (s, 3H); [M+H]=313.36.

Example 381. (2-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.26 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.16 (m, 2H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 4.94 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H).

Example 382. (1-{[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.24 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.17 (m, 2H), 5.72 (s, 2H), 4.95 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H); [M+H]=316.08.

Example 383. (2-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.28 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.25 (m, 2H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 4.94 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H); [M+H]=334.42.

Example 384. (1-{[5-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.24 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.23 (m, 2H), 5.65 (s, 2H), 4.99 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H); [M+H]=334.42.

Example 385. (2-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.29 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=8.02 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (dd, J=1.96, 10.17 Hz, 1H), 7.22-7.26 (m, 1H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 4.94 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H); [M+H]=350.08.

Example 386. (1-{[5-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.28 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.37 (m, 1H), 5.73 (s, 2H), 4.95 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H); [M+H]=350.08.

Example 387. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25-8.28 (m, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=1.76 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.32-7.40 (m, 2H), 5.72 (s, 2H), 4.95 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H); [M+H]=332.03.

Example 388. (2-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.28 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (q, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.42 (m, 3H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 4.94 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H); [M+H]=332.03.

Examples 389-391 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 292, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 389. 1-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.24 (s, 2H), 8.03 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=1.76 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=7.63 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.35 (m, 1H), 4.46-4.53 (m, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 3.59-3.68 (m, 3H), 3.52-3.57 (m, 1H), 1.97-2.17 (m, 2H).

Example 390. 1-(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)azetidin-3-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.25 (s, 2H), 8.03 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.44 (m, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=7.63 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.35 (m, 1H), 4.61-4.69 (m, 1H), 4.27-4.36 (m, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.86-3.90 (m, 2H), 3.84 (s, 2H); [M+H]=383.4.

Example 391. 2-[(5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-yl)amino]ethan-1-ol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.20 (s, 2H), 8.03 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=2.74 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=1.57 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.38 (t, J=7.63 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.35 (m, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 2H), 3.65-3.72 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.51 (m, 2H); [M+H]=371.39.

Examples 392-402 were prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 21, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 392. 2-Ethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(5-methyl-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.21 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.06-7.15 (m, 2H), 5.68 (s, 2H), 4.43 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 1.37 (t, J=6.85 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=314.42.

Example 393. 3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.23 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (ddd, J=2.15, 7.53, 11.44 Hz, 1H), 7.17-7.26 (m, 2H), 5.68 (s, 2H), 4.44 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 1.38 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=332.4.

Example 394. 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.29 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 8.20-8.24 (m, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=73.20 Hz, 1H), 7.27-7.29 (m, 1H), 7.11 (dd, J=0.78, 1.57 Hz, 1H), 5.69 (s, 2H), 4.45 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 1.38 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=363.41.

Example 395. 3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.23 (m, 2H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.43 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.37 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=332.4.

Example 396. 3-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.22 (d, J=4.70 Hz, 1H), 8.19 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=73.60 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (dd, J=1.37, 5.28 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=0.78 Hz, 1H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.46 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 1.39 (t, J=7.24 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=363.41.

Example 397. 3-(4-Chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.12 (d, J=2.74 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (d, J=2.74 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.37 (dd, J=2.15, 10.37 Hz, 1H), 7.19-7.24 (m, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.44 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.35-1.42 (m, 3H); [M+H]=348.36.

Example 398. 3-(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J=2.35, 7.04 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (ddd, J=2.15, 4.50, 8.61 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (t, J=8.61 Hz, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.43 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.37 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=348.36.

Example 399. 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.12 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.34-7.30 (m, 1H), 7.13 (dd, J=2.2, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.55 (t, J=73.6 Hz, 1H), 5.47 (s, 2H), 4.43 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.38 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

Example 400. 2-Ethoxy-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-4-yl)-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.18 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.58 (br s, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.49-4.36 (m, 4H), 2.59-2.54 (m, 3H), 1.46-1.36 (m, 6H).

Example 401. 2-Ethoxy-3-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.09 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.04 (m, 2H), 6.93-6.89 (m, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.43 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.07 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.38 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

Example 402. 2-Ethoxy-3-(3-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl)-5-[(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridine

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.88-6.80 (m, 2H), 6.63 (td, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.44 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.38 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

Example 403. 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyrazine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Example 297, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.10 (s, 3H), 7.42 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 3H), 6.77-6.48 (m, 1H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.51 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 1.44 (s, 3H); [M+H]=379.

Examples 404-405 were prepared in a manner analogous to Example 299, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions.

Example 404. (5-{[6-(2,2-Difluoroethoxy)-5-(2-ethoxypyridin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.38 (t, J=1.76 Hz, 1H), 8.12-8.26 (m, 2H), 7.92 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (dd, J=10.76, 1.76 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (dd, J=5.48, 1.57 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (dd, J=1.57, 0.78 Hz, 1H), 5.19 (t, J=5.87 Hz, 1H), 4.45-4.66 (m, 4H), 4.31 (q, J=7.04 Hz, 2H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 1.31 (t, J=7.04 Hz, 3H); [M+H]=420.5.

Example 405. [5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl]methanol

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.34-8.29 (m, 1H), 8.23-8.19 (m, 1H), 8.13-8.10 (m, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.53-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.21-7.18 (m, 1H), 4.75-4.68 (m, 2H), 4.46-4.38 (m, 2H), 4.08-4.03 (m, 2H), 1.39-1.32 (m, 3H); [M+H]=406.

Example 406. (1-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 35, with the appropriate starting material and reagent substitutions. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.09 (d, J=2.35 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=1.96 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (dt, J=2.45, 0.93 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.59 (m, 3H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 6.36 (t, J=3.52 Hz, 1H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 4.52-4.74 (m, 3H), 4.22 (dd, J=5.48, 0.78 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H); [M+H]=394.41.

Example 407. 1-{[5-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to Intermediate 10, employing Intermediate 36. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (s, 2H), 7.68 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.27-7.22 (m, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 2H), 5.20-5.16 (m, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.88 (s, 3H); [M+H]=330.

PHARMACOLOGICAL EXAMPLES

The present disclosure will be further illustrated by the following pharmacological examples. These examples are understood to be exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Enzymatic Assay

An IMAP TR-FRET based PDE assay was developed using the PDE4D3 isoform. IMAP technology is based on high-affinity binding of phosphate by immobilized metal (MIII) coordination complexes on nanoparticles. The IMAP “binding reagent” recognizes phosphate groups on AMP or GMP generated from cAMP or cGMP in a PDE reaction. The cyclic nucleotides that carry a phosphodiester bond and not a free phosphate are not recognized by the binding reagent. The time resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) is afforded by a Terbium (Tb)-Donor prebound to the nanoparticles. FRET can occur when fluorescent-labeled AMP or GMP product of a PDE reaction binds comes into close proximity of the Tb-Donor complex. Due to the long lifetime of Tb fluorescence, detection can be run in time-resolved mode to eliminate interference from autofluorescent compounds.

The IMAP TR-FRET PDE4D3 FAM-cAMP assay was performed in 1536-well white plates 15 pg per well GST-tagged PDE4D3 was dispensed in 2.5 μL IMAP assay buffer consisting of 10 mM Tris pH 7.2, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM DTT, 0.1% fatty acid free BSA and 0.01% Tween-20. 30 nL of compound was then added from 1 mM stock in DMSO using the Kalypsys 1536 10 nL pintool. Plates were incubated for 5 min at RT before dispensing 1.5 μL of 533 nM FAM-cAMP for a final concentration of 200 nM. Plates were incubated 30 min at RT after a brief centrifugation. The assay was terminated by adding 5 μL IMAP binding reagent Tb complex to each well, prepared according to manufacturer's recommendations. Plates were incubated an additional 90 minutes at RT and read on a Viewlux plate reader. Compounds were solvated at 10 mM in DMSO and tested in 11-point dose-response in the PDE4D3 assay.

Pharmacological Example 1 PDE4 Inhibition

Representative compounds of the invention were evaluated in the PDE4 enzymatic assay. Typically, the compounds of the invention show PDE4 inhibitory properties at a concentration of 0.1 to 10 μM, typically at 5-100%.

As depicted in the following Table, these inhibitory properties were mirrored by pECso values ranging from less than 5 (10⁻⁵ M or 10 μM) to greater than 7 (10⁻⁷ M or 0.1 μM).

PD4d3 pEC₅₀ Example Numbers >7 1, 13, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 36, 38, 40, 46, 47, 48, 55, 56, 58, 65, 66, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 76, 78, 79, 80, 82, 84, 87, 89, 92, 93, 95, 100, 103, 104, 105, 106, 110, 119, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 131, 134, 142, 143, 144, 147, 150, 152, 154, 161, 164, 167, 172, 173, 182, 184, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 216, 225, 228, 229, 231, 244, 250, 253, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 269, 271, 272, 278, 279, 280, 281, 287, 288, 290, 291, 293, 294, 296, 298, 299, 301, 303, 306, 309, 312, 325, 326, 327, 336, 337, 340, 348, 349, 350, 352, 353, 358, 359, 360, 362, 363, 364, 365, 368, 369, 371, 372, 375, 376, 377, 380, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 398, 399, 404, 405, 406, Intermediate 49, 6-7 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 21, 24, 26, 34, 37, 41, 43, 44, 45, 49, 51, 53, 57, 59, 60, 64, 67, 74, 75, 81, 83, 85, 86, 88, 90, 91, 94, 96, 97, 102, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, 128, 129, 130, 132, 136, 137, 139, 141, 145, 146, 149, 151, 153, 156, 158, 159, 160, 162, 163, 165, 166, 169, 170, 175, 177, 178, 179, 187, 188, 190, 199, 206, 207, 210, 211, 212, 213, 215, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 226, 230, 232, 233, 237, 238, 242, 243, 247, 248, 249, 251, 252, 256, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 268, 273, 274, 275, 282, 283, 285, 289, 297, 300, 304, 305, 308, 310, 311, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 319, 321, 322, 324, 328, 330, 331, 333, 334, 338, 341, 342, 344, 345, 346, 347, 351, 354, 355, 356, 357, 361, 366, 367, 370, 373, 374, 378, 379, 381, 383, 385, 388, 389, 390, 397, 400, 401, 402, 403, Intermediate 50, 5-6 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 31, 35, 39, 42, 50, 52, 54, 61, 62, 63, 70, 77, 98, 99, 101, 127, 133, 135, 138, 148, 155, 157, 168, 171, 176, 180, 181, 183, 185, 186, 189, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 208, 209, 214, 224, 227, 234, 236, 239, 240, 241, 245, 254, 255, 270, 276, 284, 292, 295, 302, 307, 318, 323, 329, 332, 335, 339, 343, 382, 384, 386, 387, 407, <5 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 22, 140, 174, 235, 246, 267, 277, 286, 320.

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES

The present disclosure will be further illustrated by the following biological examples. These examples are understood to be exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Behavioral Assays

Numerous behavioral assays are available to assess the ability of a candidate compound to enhance memory formation, including contextual conditioning (e.g., fear conditioning), temporal conditioning (e.g., trace conditioning), and object recognition. Other non-limiting examples of appropriate assays to assess memory include those that incorporate or relate to multiple training sessions, spaced training sessions, contextual fear training with single or multiple trials, trace fear conditioning with single or multiple trials, contextual memory generally, temporal memory, spatial memory, episodic memory, passive avoidance memory, active avoidance memory, food preference memory, conditioned taste avoidance, and social recognition memory.

The behavioral assays can also be used in accordance with the present invention, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. These assays can be directed towards the evaluation of, without limitation, hippocampus-, cortex, and/or amygdala-dependent memory formation or cognitive performance.

Biological Example 1 Effect of PDE4 Inhibitors on Contextual Memory Rationale

Contextual fear conditioning is a form of associative learning in which animals learn to recognize a training environment (conditioned stimulus, CS) that has been previously paired with an aversive stimulus such as foot shock (unconditioned stimulus, US). When exposed to the same context at a later time, conditioned animals show a variety of conditional fear responses, including freezing behavior. The percent of time during the test that the animal exhibits such freezing provides a quantitative measure of the contextual associative memory (e.g., Fanselow, Behav. Neurosci. 1984, 98, 269-277; Fanselow, Behav. Neurosci. 1984, 98, 79-95; and Phillips and LeDoux, Behav. Neurosci. 1992, 106, 274-285).

Contextual conditioning has been extensively used to investigate the neural substrates mediating fear-motivated learning (e.g., Phillips and LeDoux, Behav. Neurosci. 1992, 106, 274-285; Kim et al., Behav. Neurosci. 1993, 107, 1093-1098; and Bourtchouladze et al., Learn. Mem. 1998, 5, 365-374). Studies in mice and rats provided evidence for functional interaction between hippocampal and nonhippocampal systems during contextual conditioning training (e.g., Maren et al., Behav. Brain Res. 1997, 88, 261-274; Maren et al., Neurobiol. Learn. Mem. 1997, 67, 142-149; and Frankland et al., Behav. Neurosci. 1998, 112, 863-874). Specifically, post-training lesions of the hippocampus (but not pre-training lesions) greatly reduced contextual fear, implying that: 1) the hippocampus is essential for contextual memory but not for contextual learning per se and 2) in the absence of the hippocampus during training, non-hippocampal systems can support contextual conditioning.

Contextual conditioning has been extensively used to study the impact of various mutations on hippocampus-dependent learning, as well as strain and genetic background differences in mice (e.g., Bourtchouladze et al., Cell 1994, 79, 59-68; Bourtchouladze et al., Learn Mem. 1998, 5, 365-374; Kogan et al., Current Biology 1997, 7, 1-11; Silva et al., Current Biology 1996, 6, 1509-1518; Abel et al., Cell 1997, 88, 615-626; Giese et al., Science 1998, 279, 870-873; Logue et al., Neuroscience 1997, 80, 1075-1086; Chen et al., Behav. Neurosci. 1996, 110, 1177-1180; and Nguyen et al., Learn Mem. 2000, 7, 170-179).

Because robust learning can be triggered with a few minutes training session, contextual conditioning has been especially useful to study the biology of temporally distinct processes of short- and long-term memory (e.g., Kim et al., Behav. Neurosci. 1993, 107, 1093-1098; Bourtchouladze et al., Cell 1994, 79, 59-68; Abel et al., Cell 1997, 88, 615-626; Logue et al., Behav. Neurosci. 1997, 111, 104-113; Bourtchouladze et al., Learn. Mem. 1998, 5, 365-374; and Nguyen et al., Learn. Mem. 2000, 7, 170-179). As such, contextual conditioning provides an excellent model to evaluate the effects of novel drug compounds on hippocampal-dependent memory formation.

Procedures

Previous investigations have established that training with 1× or 2× CS—US pairings induces sub-maximal (weak) memory in wild-type mice (e.g., U.S.2009/0053140; Tully et al., Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2003, 2, 267-77; and Bourtchouladze et al. Learn. Mem. 1998, 5, 365-374). Accordingly, contextual conditioning in this study was performed as described by Bourtchouladze et al., Cell 1994, 79, 59-68.

Young-adult (10-12 weeks old) C57BL/6 male mice and Sprague Dawley male rats were used. Mice and rats were group-housed in standard laboratory and maintained on a 12:12 light-dark cycle. The experiments were always conducted during the light phase of the cycle. With the exception of testing times, the mice had ad libidum access to food and water. To assess contextual memory, a modified contextual fear conditioning task originally developed for evaluation of memory in CREB knock-out mice was used (Bourtchouladze et al., 1994). Training sessions are comprised of a baseline period in the conditioning chamber (Med Associates, Inc.) followed by presentation of unconditioned stimuli (1-5 footshocks each at 0.2-1.0 mA for 2-sec) spaced at 60-sec intervals. Thirty seconds following the last shock, the animal is returned to the home cage. One to 7 days later, the animals are returned to the chamber and freezing behavior is scored. Freezing (complete immobility except respiration) is scored by Video Freeze software (Med Associates, Inc.) over an 8 minute test period. Treatment with cognition enhancers are expected to significantly increase freezing when compared with controls.

All experiments were designed and performed in a counterbalanced fashion. In each experiment, the experimenter was unaware (blind) to the treatment of the subjects during training and testing. Training and test sessions were recorded as digital video files. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests using GraphPad Prism software package.

Results

Exemplary compounds were found to enhance contextual memory in the fear conditioning assay. Significant enhancing effects are seen at several concentrations, including 0.01 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg.

Biological Example 2 Effect of PDE4 Inhibitors on Novel Object Recognition Rationale

Novel Object Recognition (NOR) is an assay of recognition learning and memory retrieval, and it takes advantage of the spontaneous preference of rodents to investigate a novel object compared with a familiar one. It is an ethologically relevant task, which in contrast to fear conditioning, does not result from negative reinforcement (foot shock)(e.g., Ennaceur and Delacour, Behav. Brain Res. 1988, 31, 47-59).

The NOR test has been employed extensively to assess the potential cognitive-enhancing properties of novel compounds derived from high-throughput screening. Object recognition the task relies on the natural curiosity of rodents to explore novel objects in their environments more than familiar ones. Obviously, for an object to be “familiar,” the animal must have attended to it before and remembered that experience. Hence, animals with better memory will attend and explore a new object more than an object familiar to them. During testing, the animal is presented with the training object and a second, novel one. Memory of the training object renders it familiar to the animal, and it then spends more time exploring the new novel object rather than the familiar one (Bourtchouladze et. al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2003, 100, 10518-10522).

Neuroimaging, pharmacological, and lesion studies have demonstrated that the hippocampus and adjacent perirhinal cortex are critical for object recognition memory in rodents, monkeys, and humans (e.g., Mitchell, Behav. Brain Res. 1998, 97, 107-113; Teng et al., J. Neurosci. 2000, 20, 3853-3863; Mumby, Brain Res. 2001, 127, 159-181; Eichenbaum et al., Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 2007, 30, 127-152; Squire et al., Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2007, 8, 872-883; and Vann and Alabasser, Curr. Opin. Neurobiol. 2011, 21, 440-445). Hence, object recognition provides an excellent behavioral model to evaluate drug-compound effects on cognitive tasks associated with function of the hippocampus and cortex.

Procedures

Object recognition was tested in young adult mice and rats using the following protocol. Animals are briefly handled by the experimenter 2-5 days prior to training. Each compound was administered between 15 minutes and 24-hours prior to, or following, training. Habituation sessions (duration 1-20 min, over 1-3 days) were conducted to familiarize the animal to the arena. During training trials (duration of 1-20 min) the animals were allowed to explore two identical objects. A test trial (duration of 1-20 min) was then performed 1-96 hrs later.

For novel object recognition, one object is replaced with one that is novel. All combinations and locations of objects are used in a balanced manner to reduce potential biases attributable to preference for particular locations or objects. Training and test trials are recorded and scored by video-tracking software (e.g. Noldus Ethovision). An animal is scored as exploring an object when its head was oriented toward the object within a distance of 1 cm (rat)/2 cm (mouse) or when the nose is touching the object. Turning around, climbing, or sitting on an object was not considered as exploration. If the animal generates a long-term memory for the familiar object, it will spend significantly more time exploring the novel object compared to the familiar object during the retention test (Cognitive enhancers are therefore expected to facilitate this discrimination between the familiar and novel object).

A discrimination index was calculated as previously described (Bourtchouladze et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2003, 100, 10518-10522). In each experiment, the experimenter was unaware (blind) to the treatment of the subjects during training and testing. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests using GraphPad Prism software package.

Results

Exemplary compounds of Formula (I) were found to significantly enhance 24 hour memory. Significant effects were seen at several concentrations, including 1.0 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg.

The specification, including the examples, is intended to be exemplary only, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, while certain details in the present disclosure are provided to convey a thorough understanding of the invention as defined by the appended claims, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments may be practiced without these details. Moreover, in certain instances, well-known methods, procedures, or other specific details have not been described to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the invention defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of Formula (I):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Z is N; R¹ is —H; Y is —CH₂—; R² is a member selected from the group consisting of: A) phenyl substituted with one or two R^(d) members, where each R^(d) is independently selected from the group consisting of: —CN, —CONH₂, and —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl; B) six-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing one or two nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with a member selected from the group consisting of: —CN, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —CONH₂, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —N(R^(b))₂, and —NH— cyclopropyl; C) five-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing two or three nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CH₂OR^(b), —N(R^(b))₂, —NO₂, —CO₂CH₃, —CO₂N(R^(b))₂, and cyclopropyl; and R³ is phenyl substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —OCl₃alkyl, and —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl; R⁴ is —C₁₋₃alkyl; and each R^(b) is independently —H or —CH₃.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is six-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing one or two nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with a member selected from the group consisting of: —CN, —OCl₃alkyl, —CONH₂, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —N(R^(b))₂, and —NH-cyclopropyl.
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is a five-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing two or three nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of -Cl₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CH₂OR^(b), —N(R^(b))₂, —NO₂, —CO₂CH₃, —CO₂N(R^(b))₂, and cyclopropyl.
 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is 4-phenylamide or 4-phenylcarboxylic acid methyl ester.
 5. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is

where R^(d1) is —CONH₂.
 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is

where R^(e1) is —OCH₃, —CONH₂, —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, or -NHcyclopropyl.
 7. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is

where R^(f) is —NH₂, or —CH₂OH.
 8. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² is

R^(g), where R is —H, —CH₃, —CH₂OH, or —NH₂.
 9. The chemical entity as in claim 1, wherein R² is

where R^(h) is a member selected from the group consisting of: —H, —CH₃, —CF₃, —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —CH₂OH, —C(CH₃)₂OH, —CH₂OCH₃, —NO₂, —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, —CH₂CONH₂, —CONH₂, —CO₂CH₃, and -cyclopropyl.
 10. The compound of claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile; 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]pyrazine; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-N-methylpyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-N-cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-amine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]pyrazine; Methyl 4-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzoate; 4-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzonitrile; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(dimethyl-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyrazine; 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyridine-2-carbonitrile; 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carbonitrile; 4-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}benzamide; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyridine-2-carboxamide; 5-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; 5-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}pyrimidine-2-carboxamide; Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pyrazine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-[(3-cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-2-methoxypyrazine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-nitro-H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-(1H-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyrazine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2-methoxypyrazine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-methoxy-5-[(4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine; 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-[(3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyrazine; 5-[(3-Cyclopropyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxypyrazine; 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; Methyl 1-((6-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; Methyl 1-((6-(3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate; 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-((3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyrazine; 3-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-5-((5-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyrazine; Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylate; Methyl 1-({6-[3-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; Methyl 1-{[6-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl]methanol; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)methanol; [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methanol; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methanol; 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazol-4-amine; 1-((6-(3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine; 3-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-ethoxy-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}pyrazine; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-methoxypyrazine; [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanol; [1-({6-[3-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl}methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methanol; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanol; 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide; 1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide; 1-{[6-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-methoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)methanol; (1-{[6-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl]methyl}-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol; 3-(3-Chlorophenyl)-5-{[4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]methyl}-2-ethoxypyrazine; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 11. A compound of Formula (I):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Z is CH; R¹ is a member selected from the group consisting of: —H, —C₁₋₃alkyl and —C₁₋₃haloalkyl; Y is —C(R^(a))₂—, where each R^(a) is independently selected from the group consisting of: —H, —F, —CH₃, —OH and —N(R^(b))₂; R² is a member selected from the group consisting of: A) six-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing one or two nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of: halo, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CN, —OH, —C(R^(b))₂OH, —CH₂NH₂, —C(R^(b))₂CN, —C(R^(b))₂CONH₂, —OCH₂CONH₂, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —OCH₂C(R^(b))₂OH, —OCH₂cyclopropyl, —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CO₂H, —CON(R^(b))₂, —N(R^(b))₂, —NHCH₂CF₃, —NHCH(CH₃)₂, —NHCH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —NHcyclopropyl, —NHCOCH₃, morpholinyl, pyrrolidin-3-ol, and azetidin-3-ol; B) five-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing two, three, or four nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of halo, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —C(R^(b))₂OH, —N(R^(b))₂, —NO₂, —CN, —CH₂CN, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —CH₂OCH₃, —CH₂CH₂OH, —CH₂NH₂, —CH₂CONH₂, —CO₂C₁₋₃alkyl, —CO₂H, —CONH₂, —NHCOCH₃, and cyclopropyl; and C) five or six-membered ring selected from: 1,2-dihydro-pyridin-2-one, thiazole or 1,2-oxazole unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of —CH₃, and —NH₂; R³ is phenyl or pyridine, each substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of: -halo, —C₁₋₃alkyl, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, -Ocyclopropyl, —O-oxetane, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —OC₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CN, —CH₂OH, —SO₂CH₃, or —N(CH₃)₂; R⁴ is a member selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₃alkyl and —C₁₋₃haloalkyl; and each R^(b) is independently selected from —H or —CH₃;
 12. The compound of claim 11, wherein R² is six-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing one or two nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with a member selected from the group consisting of: —CN, —OC₁₋₃alkyl, —CONH₂, —NHCH₂CH₂OH, —N(R^(b))₂, and —NH-cyclopropyl.
 13. The compound of claim 11, wherein R² is a five-membered monocyclic heteroaromatic ring containing two or three nitrogen members unsubstituted or substituted with one or two members each independently selected from the group consisting of —C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₁₋₃haloalkyl, —CH₂OR^(b), —N(R^(b))₂, —NO₂, —CO₂CH₃, —CO₂N(R^(b))₂, and cyclopropyl.
 14. The compound of claim 11, selected from the group consisting of: 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2-amine; 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyridin-2-amine; 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}-N,N-dimethylpyridin-2-amine; 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(difluoromethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}-1,3-thiazol-2-amine; 5-{[5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-6-(propan-2-yloxy)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[3-(propan-2-yloxy)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-[3-(oxetan-3-yloxy)phenyl]pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-{[6-(Difluoromethoxy)-5-(2-methoxypyridin-4-yl)pyridin-3-yl]methyl}pyrimidin-2-amine; 5-({5-[2-(Difluoromethoxy)pyridin-4-yl]-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl}methyl)pyrimidin-2-amine; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, of claim 1; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, of claim 11; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 17. A method of treating a subject suffering from or diagnosed with a disease, disorder, or medical condition mediated by PDE4 enzymatic activity, comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of claim 1, wherein the disorder is selected from one or more of the group selected from Alzheimer's Disease, Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI), Age Associated Cognitive Decline, vascular dementia, delirium, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease, mental retardation, cerebrovascular disease, an affective disorder, psychotic disorders, neurotic disorders, attention deficit disorder, subdural hematoma, normal-pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumor, stroke, cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation, intellectual and developmental disabilitie; multiple sclerosis; inflammatory bowel disease; rheumatoid arthritis; COPD, asthma, allergic rhinitis, pulmonary artery hypertension; renal diseases; allergic skin diseases and psoriasis.
 18. A method of treating a disease, disorder, or medical condition mediated by a PDE4 enzyme, comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of claim 11, wherein the disorder is selected from one or more of the group selected from Alzheimer's Disease, Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI), Age Associated Cognitive Decline, vascular dementia, delirium, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease, mental retardation, cerebrovascular disease, an affective disorder, psychotic disorders, neurotic disorders, attention deficit disorder, subdural hematoma, normal-pressure hydrocephalus, brain tumor, stroke, cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation, intellectual and developmental disabilitie; multiple sclerosis; inflammatory bowel disease; rheumatoid arthritis; COPD, asthma, allergic rhinitis, pulmonary artery hypertension; renal diseases; allergic skin diseases and psoriasis.
 19. A method of treating a neurological disorder, comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 20. A method of treating a neurological disorder, comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of claim
 11. 